U.S. strikes Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz after Netanyahu pushes for more attacks

The United States launched strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, a limited operation confirmed by a U.S. official, occurring just before Tuesday's midterm elections despite President Donald Trump's earlier pledge to avoid such action before the vote. The strikes targeted Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. forces, according to an anonymous U.S. official, as Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm and Hengam islands and near Bandar Abbas. The move came as Iran announced a two-day plan to reopen the strategic waterway and resume nuclear talks, with Vice President JD Vance expressing optimism about a negotiated settlement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pushed for another wave of strikes in a weekend call, seeking to bolster his position after losing his parliamentary majority. Iran's chief negotiator warned the U.S. must prevent war, while Tehran opened a third training center for paramilitary volunteers amid fears of renewed conflict.