US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iranian Targets in Strait of Hormuz, Sparks Explosions on Qeshm Island
US launches new strikes on Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz, sparking explosions on Qeshm Island and raising tensions ahead of midterms.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C., US — US officials announced on Monday that they had carried out new strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that comes just before the midterm elections.
State television in Tehran reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, a strategic military base at the Strait’s entrance, and that multiple blasts occurred in quick succession late on Monday.
Iran’s IRNA said witnesses had seen two aircraft fly over the island, while Fars news agency reported explosions in the port city of Bandar Lengeh, appearing to have come from offshore.
A US source described the operation as “defensive strikes” aimed at Iranian surface‑to‑air missile batteries used against U.S. assets and said it was a limited action, not a return to full hostilities. President Donald Trump told reporters, “We had a war with Iran. We won.” and added that oil prices had fallen sharply as markets sensed no imminent war.
Vice President J.D. Vance said, We’ve had a number of good conversations with the Iranians, and stressed a hopeful outlook for a negotiated settlement, while Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the ball was “in the US court” on any prospective deal.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
