US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island as Trump signals progress in talks

The United States reportedly struck Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, even as President Donald Trump signalled progress in negotiations with Tehran to end the eight-month-old conflict. The reported attack was the latest in a series of limited strikes Washington has secretly carried out in recent weeks. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US officials, described the strike on Qeshm, the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz, as defensive to prevent Iran from attacking commercial ships. Iranian state media reported five explosions and two aircraft, while the Pentagon did not immediately comment. Trump said a deal with Tehran "could happen" on the eve of US midterm elections, and oil prices plunged over seven percent on optimism. The US has not publicly announced the strikes to avoid signaling a resumption of major combat operations.