US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island aim to protect US assets

The US military conducted limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, with officials describing the action as defensive and aimed at protecting US assets in the region. The operation came in response to Iran firing at a US aircraft, according to one official. The strikes were not a major combat operation, and the Wall Street Journal reported that similar secret strikes have occurred previously. One official said the action was a defensive measure against Iranian surface-to-air missiles targeting US assets, while the administration deliberately kept the attack under wraps to avoid overstating it. The action occurred on the eve of Election Day, highlighting unresolved tensions with Iran. President Donald Trump suggested diplomacy could still yield a deal, calling the situation a "soft war," while Vice President JD Vance said progress had been made toward an off ramp. Qeshm Island is strategically important for control over the Strait of Hormuz.