The United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, even as President Donald Trump publicly played down the possibility of renewed military action against Tehran and indicated that a diplomatic breakthrough could be within reach.
The latest attack is part of a series of covert American strikes carried out over the past few weeks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing US officials. Separately, a US official told the Associated Press that Washington had conducted defensive strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz.
The reports came after Iran's state-run news agency IRNA reported several explosions on Qeshm Island, which lies at the mouth of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, the agency did not establish the cause of the explosions, and Iranian authorities did not confirm the source of the blasts.
Qeshm is of considerable strategic importance to Tehran as it houses a large underground missile facility, a naval base and a major desalination plant. The US has previously struck the island during earlier rounds of fighting, with American officials also discussing the possibility of seizing it.
The latest strikes came amid Washington's diplomatic outreach to Tehran and Trump's relatively conciliatory public remarks ahead of Tuesday's US midterm elections. The American president said he was not considering striking Iran after the elections, while also pointing out that the two countries had not been engaged in fighting for months.
The US administration has expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached, potentially preventing Trump from following through on his earlier threat to launch fresh strikes against Iran after the midterm elections.
Trump plays down possibility of renewed war
Speaking in Washington on Monday, Trump highlighted the sharp decline in oil prices while seeking to reassure Americans about the possibility of renewed fighting with Iran.
“I don’t know if you even call it a war, because we haven’t been doing any fighting for months,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
Asked whether he was considering military strikes against Iran after the midterm elections, Trump gave a brief response: “No.”
His remarks came amid efforts by the administration to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Washington has indicated that negotiations could help prevent another escalation, although the latest reported strikes suggest that limited military operations are continuing.
Vance signals progress in negotiations with Iran
US Vice-President JD Vance also expressed optimism about the prospects of a negotiated settlement, saying Washington had held a “number of good conversations” with Iranian representatives.
Vance said both he and Trump “feel pretty good” about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran.
“We’re going to keep on working at it,” the Associated Press quoted him as saying.
His remarks followed a letter he reportedly sent to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei last week. Although the White House has not disclosed the contents of the communication, a New York Times report said it proposed direct US-Iran talks under Vance's leadership, with Iran's nuclear programme included in discussions from the outset.
The Wall Street Journal, citing a source, reported that the letter outlined a “framework for negotiations” and was sent at Trump's direction.
Iran says US has changed its tone; Mojtaba issues warning
Rezaei confirmed receiving the letter and described the change in Washington's approach as a positive development.
“The tone has completely changed,” he told Iranian state television, calling it a “good sign”. However, he said he had not responded to the communication and did not elaborate on its contents.
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that any future threat from the United States would invite an immediate response, irrespective of its nature or intensity.
The response, he said, would have no “geographical limits”.
Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the war began in February, reportedly made the remarks during a meeting with military chiefs. He also called for an updated list of potential American and Israeli targets, according to Iranian state media.
The warning underscored Tehran's readiness to respond militarily even as diplomatic efforts continue.
How the US-Iran conflict unfolded
The conflict began in February this year with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, with Washington citing Tehran's nuclear programme as a key reason for the military operation.
Iran retaliated by attacking American interests and military bases in Gulf countries. Tehran also effectively blocked navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international shipping route for global oil supplies.
The United States subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iran, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
Both sides agreed to a ceasefire framework in June, which gave them 60 days to negotiate a comprehensive agreement and establish a lasting truce. However, the arrangement unravelled quickly as disagreements over key issues, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme, prevented progress towards a final settlement.
The latest strikes on Qeshm Island have highlighted the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts, with Washington continuing military operations even as Trump and Vance express optimism about the possibility of a negotiated agreement.