Iran’s Qeshm Island Targeted as U.S. Officials Call Military Strikes a Defensive Measure
Limited strikes on Qeshm Island
The officials described the attacks as self-defense, citing Iranian efforts to target maritime shipping and U.S. assets. A third U.S. official said the action was defensive in response to Iranian surface-to-air missiles being used against U.S. assets.
U.S. cites ongoing threats
One official said the U.S. continues to intercept drones and missiles targeting shipping every day. The official also said the U.S. sometimes strikes Iranian missile launchers when the Revolutionary Guard fires at U.S. aircraft.
The strikes came as the Middle East faced concern about a possible return to all-out war. They also took place on the eve of crucial U.S. midterm elections.
Election and war pressures
President Donald Trump had said the U.S. would not strike Iran before Tuesday’s midterm elections. The unpopular war and its effects on gasoline prices and other parts of the economy have posed a vulnerability for Republicans seeking to retain control of Congress. Earlier Monday, Vice President JD Vance expressed measured optimism that an agreement could prevent Trump from carrying out his threat to potentially order new strikes after the elections.
Vance letter to Iran
Vance sent a letter last week to Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, but the White House has provided few details about it. Trump told reporters the letter concerned assistance to Iran with “medical supplies and various things,” he said.
Key points
- Two U.S. officials said the military carried out limited strikes on Qeshm Island on Monday.
- Officials called the attacks defensive and said they did not signal renewed major combat operations.
- The strikes came before midterm elections, with the Iran war weighing on Republicans’ political prospects.
- Vance sent Iran’s security chief a letter last week, with few details released publicly.