US strikes Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, official says, leaving unclear what comes next

The United States carried out defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, a U.S. official confirmed, hours before Tuesday's midterm elections. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strikes targeted Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island. The Wall Street Journal first reported the military action.

The strikes appeared limited rather than a return to full-scale hostilities, though they followed President Donald Trump's previous statement that the U.S. would not launch strikes on Iran before the midterms. Thousands of U.S. troops remain in waters off Iran enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports, and a third aircraft carrier with additional forces is en route to the region. The ongoing conflict has affected gasoline prices and the economy, creating political vulnerability for Republicans seeking to retain control of Congress.

Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism Monday that a negotiated settlement could still be reached. Vance said he had spoken with Trump about an hour earlier and both "feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement." Vance disclosed he sent a letter last week to Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, which Trump described as focused on "medical supplies and various things." Vance said the U.S. has had "a number of good conversations with the Iranians" through backchannel diplomacy.

Regional officials said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed Trump in a weekend call for another wave of strikes on Iran after the U.S. elections. Netanyahu, who lost his parliamentary majority in last week's Israeli elections, could benefit from an emergency government if full-scale war resumes. Qatari mediators held two rounds of talks with Iranian officials last week, and diplomatic efforts have reportedly made progress toward a framework for Iran to cease its attacks.

Sources: Las Vegas Sun