The United States has carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, ahead of the US midterm elections, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.
US officials disclosed the operation to CBS, the BBC’s US partner, while Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported that several explosions were heard on the island on Monday.
The officials described the strikes as limited in scope, saying they were launched in response to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps firing at a US aircraft.
The BBC said it had contacted the US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, for comments.
The development comes as President Donald Trump faces declining approval ratings and growing pressure from members of his Republican Party to bring the war to an end.
The conflict began in February following attacks on Iran by the US and Israel.
The upcoming US midterm elections are expected to determine whether Republicans or Democrats retain control of Congress.
Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters he was “in no rush” to intensify military operations against Iran.
Speaking to Axios, he said, “One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush. We crippled them financially,” adding, “They have no money, no gasoline and their people are getting very tired of it.”
Trump also suggested that Washington could target Pickaxe, a facility linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, during an interview with Fox News on the eve of the midterm elections.
He described the potential operation as “not a big deal” and said it could be completed in “one hour”.
Despite growing speculation that the US could resume major military strikes against Iran after the elections, Trump dismissed the suggestion when questioned by a reporter on Monday, responding, “no”.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran was engaged in “very intensive” negotiations with Washington through mediators in an effort to end the conflict.
Araghchi also stated that Iran was more prepared than ever for both diplomatic and military outcomes, warning that the US had to choose between a “wise path” of negotiations and the “mistake of military aggression”.
