US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island after Iranian fire at US aircraft

The United States launched strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal, coinciding with President Donald Trump's signals of progress in negotiations to end the eight-month conflict. The strikes, described as "limited" and part of a series of secret US actions in recent weeks, came after Iran fired at a US aircraft, a US official told CNN. Iranian state media reported five explosions and two aircraft over the island, while the Pentagon did not immediately comment. The US reportedly kept the attacks unannounced to avoid signaling major combat operations, and oil prices plunged over seven percent on optimism for a deal. Trump said an agreement with Tehran "could happen" on the eve of midterm elections.