U.S. launches defensive strikes on Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz

The United States executed defensive strikes against Iranian military assets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the operation targeted systems that Iranians were using to fire surface-to-air missiles at American forces. Iranian state television reported hearing explosions on Qeshm Island during the incident.

The strikes appeared limited in scope, distinct from a full resumption of hostilities. They took place on the day before the U.S. midterm elections. President Donald Trump had previously stated that the U.S. would not launch strikes on Iran before the midterms. The conflict has weighed on the economy, particularly through elevated gasoline prices, a factor that has been a vulnerability for Republicans seeking to maintain control of Congress.

Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Monday that he spoke with President Trump about ongoing talks with Iran. Vance said both leaders feel positive about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. "We've had a number of good conversations with the Iranians," Vance said. "The president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement."

Diplomatic channels remain active. Qatari mediators held two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week. They are working to advance a framework where Iran ceases attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. More talks are scheduled for this week. The mediators discussed these details on condition of anonymity due to the classified nature of the briefings.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed Trump for a new wave of strikes during a phone call over the weekend. According to regional officials, Netanyahu wants to launch a quick but extensive air campaign after the U.S. elections. This move could help him form an emergency government after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority in Israel. Trump has not committed to taking military action.

Other Middle East allies warn against further strikes. They argue that escalating the war could destabilize the region and encourage Houthi rebels in Yemen to increase attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. Iran-backed militias in Iraq could also become involved. Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday as diplomatic efforts showed progress.

Trump addressed the conflict in a speech in Washington on Monday, describing the situation as a closing argument to American voters. He minimized the scale of the fighting, noting that the U.S. has not engaged in combat for months. The conflict has cost U.S. taxpayers at least $47 billion. Trump said, "I don't know if you even call it a war, because we haven't been doing any fighting for months."

Iranian leaders are preparing for both war and diplomacy. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei met with military chiefs and urged an immediate response to any threat from the U.S. or Israel. He called for expanding the list of potential targets without geographic limits. Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, told state television that the tone from the U.S. has completely changed, which he called a very good sign. Rezaei said he had not yet responded to a letter received from Vance last week.