The United States has launched strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, multiple media sources cited US officials. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported several explosions on the island on Monday. The strikes were in response to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing upon a US aircraft.
The development comes a few hours ahead of the US midterm elections. US President Trump had pledged not to strike Iran until the elections are through. Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters that he was in "no rush" to ramp up strikes on Iran. He claimed that the US had "crippled them financially," adding that Iran "has no money, no gasoline and their people are getting very tired of it."
Trump also mentioned that the US "might need to go after Pickaxe," a site linked to Iran's nuclear programme. In an interview with Fox News on the eve of the midterm elections, he stated that this could be done in "one hour" and described it as "not a big deal." There has been mounting speculation in the last few days that the US may resume significant strikes in Iran again after the midterms.
However, when asked by a reporter on Monday if that was the case, Trump said "no." He downplayed the likelihood of further action before the midterm elections. The US midterm elections are set to take place on Tuesday, with voters heading to the polls to decide on various congressional and gubernatorial races.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, told the IRNA earlier that "very intensive" talks to try and end the war are under way with the US via mediators. He also stated that Tehran was prepared for both diplomatic and military scenarios "more than ever before" and that it was up to the US to decide on the next course of action.
The IRGC's firing on a US aircraft has been seen as a provocative move by Iran, which has been under pressure from the US and other countries over its nuclear programme and ballistic missile tests. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil exports, and any escalation of tensions in the region could have significant implications for the global economy.
The US strikes on Qeshm Island have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region. The international community has been urging restraint and calling for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. The situation remains tense, with many watching to see how the US and Iran will engage in the coming days and weeks.
Key points
- The US launched limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in response to the IRGC firing on a US aircraft.
- The strikes were confirmed by US officials and reported by Iranian state news agency IRNA.
- The development comes ahead of the US midterm elections, despite Trump's pledge not to strike Iran until after the elections.
