US Launches ‘Defensive Strikes’ Against Iran Despite Midterm No-Conflict Pledge
US forces conduct targeted strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, breaking a Trump pledge to avoid conflict before the midterm elections.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, DC — The United States has executed a new military operation against Iranian targets within the Strait of Hormuz, a development that occurs just hours before the nation faces critical midterm elections.
Iranian-run television confirmed reports of explosions on Qeshm Island, a location that serves as a vital strategic hub for the Iranian military near the Strait.
According to the state news agency IRNA, a series of rapid blasts occurred late Monday. Local witnesses speaking to the agency reported observing two aircraft traversing the island, which is situated off the southern coast of Iran.
The semi-official Fars news agency also documented explosions in the port city of Bandar Lengeh, noting that the blasts appeared to originate from offshore locations.
A US official, speaking on anonymity, characterized the mission as “defensive strikes” aimed at Iranian forces utilizing surface-to-air missiles against American assets. The official informed the Associated Press that the action was a limited engagement rather than an escalation into full-scale warfare.
The move contradicts a previous commitment by President Donald Trump, who stated the US would not initiate new attacks against Iran prior to Tuesday’s election.
A separate US official cited by The Wall Street Journal, the first outlet to break the story, indicated that Washington intentionally kept the strikes low-profile to avoid appearing as though large-scale military operations were resuming.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, President Trump claimed that the conflict with Iran was over and had been won, questioning if the situation should even be considered a war given that no active fighting had occurred for months.
Earlier in the day, the President suggested that a diplomatic resolution with Tehran might be on the horizon. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he noted that oil prices had seen a record drop of nearly $10 per barrel because markets perceive a lack of impending war.
The President further asserted that Iran is seeking a swift settlement and suggested that such an agreement is possible.
Qeshm Island has historically been a target of US forces multiple times during the conflict. Its location at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz makes it home to a naval base, a major desalination plant, and a significant underground facility for missiles.
Vice President JD Vance expressed hope regarding diplomatic efforts on Monday, stating that there have been several productive conversations with Iranian officials. He noted that both he and the President feel positive about the possibility of a negotiated peace.
Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated that the responsibility for a potential-ending deal rests with the United States. He maintained that Iran’s requirements have been presented clearly and remain logical and reasonable.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
