US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island target strategic Strait of Hormuz stronghold

The US military conducted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, hours after President Donald Trump suggested a deal with Tehran was possible, with officials describing the operation as defensive. The strikes targeted Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against American assets. The attack came as Washington had reportedly conducted smaller-scale strikes against Iranian targets for several weeks without public announcement. Trump had earlier claimed the US destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities and warned Washington could strike Pickaxe Mountain, a site linked to Iran's nuclear programme, whenever it wanted. Qeshm, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, sits in the Strait of Hormuz and hosts underground missile facilities, coastal defence batteries, and concealed fast-attack boats. Since March 2026, Iran has operated a controlled shipping corridor near the island, requiring vessels to obtain approval and pay fees, which Washington has sanctioned.