US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island as Trump signals progress in talks

On Monday, the United States launched an airstrike against Iran's Qeshm Island, according to the Wall Street Journal, as President Donald Trump hinted at progress in negotiations with Tehran to end the ongoing eight-month conflict. The Journal cited unnamed US officials who described the strike as part of a series of limited operations carried out by Washington in recent weeks.

Iranian state news agency IRNA reported five explosions occurring in quick succession on the island, and some residents observed two aircraft in the sky.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the reported strikes, directing inquiries to US Central Command, which had not yet provided a response. The Journal stated that the US has been conducting smaller-scale strikes against Iran for several weeks, with some officials characterizing the actions as defensive measures to prevent Iran from freely attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

This waterway, crucial for oil shipments, has been largely obstructed since the war's onset in late February. The US has refrained from publicly disclosing the strikes to avoid signaling a potential resumption of major combat operations.

On the eve of the US midterm elections, Trump indicated that a deal with Tehran could be achieved. Oil prices, which had surged following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, experienced a significant decline of over 7% on Monday, buoyed by optimism regarding the potential resolution of the conflict.