The United States reportedly launched strikes against Iran’s Qeshm island on Monday. The development came as President Donald Trump indicated progress in negotiations with Tehran. The talks aim to end the eight-month-long conflict between the two countries.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the attack was part of several limited US operations. The newspaper cited unnamed American officials familiar with the matter. It described the latest strike as part of a series of operations conducted secretly in recent weeks.
Qeshm island is the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz. It holds strategic importance because of its location near a major international energy shipping route. The waterway has remained largely blocked since the conflict began in late February.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported five explosions in quick succession. Some residents also reported seeing two aircraft flying over the island. However, details about the targets and damage were not immediately available.
The Pentagon referred questions about the reported attack to US Central Command. The military command did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to the newspaper, Washington avoided publicly announcing the operations.
Some American officials reportedly described the strikes as defensive measures. They said the operations aimed to prevent Iran from threatening commercial vessels. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for international oil shipments.
Meanwhile, Trump indicated that a diplomatic agreement with Iran remained possible. In a post on Truth Social, he said a deal could happen soon. He also claimed that Tehran wanted a settlement as quickly as possible.
US Vice President JD Vance also expressed optimism about the negotiations. He told reporters that both sides had made progress. However, he said further developments would determine whether an agreement could be reached.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed ongoing indirect discussions with Washington. He said consultations were taking place through regional mediators. Qatar and Pakistan were reportedly playing active roles in the negotiations.
Iran also offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions. A senior Iranian official said the process could begin within two days. However, Washington would first need to accept Tehran’s demands.
Iran’s proposed conditions reportedly include ending the conflict across all fronts. They also include unfreezing Iranian assets and lifting oil sanctions. Tehran has additionally demanded an end to the American counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
China has also called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Chinese officials held discussions with Iranian and Saudi representatives in Beijing. Russia has also remained involved through diplomatic contacts with Iranian leadership.
The reported attack on Qeshm island came ahead of crucial US midterm elections. Trump’s Republican Party faced pressure over the conflict and rising fuel costs. Meanwhile, Democrats expected to gain greater influence in Congress.
In other news read more about Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within Two Days if US Accepts
Oil prices fell by more than seven percent on Monday amid hopes of a possible agreement. However, the reported military action raised fresh concerns about regional stability. The situation remains uncertain as diplomatic contacts continue alongside military tensions.
