US Strikes Iranian Targets in Strait of Hormuz; Explosions Hit Qeshm Island

The United States conducted limited, defensive military strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to an American official, with explosions reported on Qeshm Island. The strikes targeted Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against American targets. The operation was limited in scale and does not represent a return to widespread hostilities, though details on damage or casualties remain undisclosed. The action came hours before US midterm elections, despite President Trump's earlier pledge to avoid new attacks. It follows Vice President JD Vance's cautious optimism about indirect negotiations with Tehran, highlighting the fragile situation in the strategic oil shipping route.