US strikes Iran ahead of midterm elections

The United States has conducted targeted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, according to US officials speaking with CBS and the BBC. Iranian state media reported several explosions on the island on Monday. The US officials characterized the strikes as limited and stated they were a response to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacking a US aircraft.

The strikes come on the eve of the US midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. President Trump has been under pressure to end the ongoing conflict, which began in February following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Trump told reporters, "One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush," adding that the US had crippled Iran's economy and people were tired of the situation.

He also suggested targeting a site linked to Iran's nuclear program, though he described this as "not a big deal" that could be accomplished in an hour. While there have been reports of a potential resumption of significant strikes in Iran following the midterms, Trump explicitly stated this was not the case when asked by a reporter.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, reported that intense negotiations were underway to end the conflict, with Tehran prepared for both diplomatic and military options.