United States Conducts Reported Strikes on Qeshm Island Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Negotiations

The United States has reportedly carried out limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, according to US media reports. The Wall Street Journal reported the attack, citing unnamed US officials who described the action as part of a series of smaller-scale strikes conducted by Washington in recent weeks. According to Reuters and the Associated Press, the recent targets included surface-to-air missiles being used against US assets.

Iranian state media reported hearing the sound of explosions on Qeshm Island on Monday evening. The official IRNA news agency reported five rapid explosions, with some residents observing two aircraft in the airspace above the island. Local outlets initially described the cause of the explosions as unclear.

US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal indicated that the recent smaller-scale operations were defensive in nature, intended to prevent Iran from targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has seen closures and attacks on oil tankers and shipping containers since the conflict began in late February. The publication reported that the administration intentionally kept these recent strikes secret to avoid signaling a return to full-scale military hostilities.

The reported strikes coincided with statements from US leadership concerning diplomatic efforts. Vice-President JD Vance told reporters on Monday that he and President Donald Trump were optimistic regarding the potential for a negotiated settlement following indirect negotiations with Tehran. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Trump stated that a deal could happen and downplayed the ongoing conflict.

The developments occurred on the eve of US midterm elections, where the economic impacts of the conflict, particularly rising petrol prices, have emerged as prominent campaign issues. On Monday, oil prices dropped by more than seven percent amid optimism surrounding potential diplomatic resolutions.