US launches defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on the eve of midterm elections
Donald Trump, pictured with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, whose notably different tones on Iran — Vance voicing optimism over a diplomatic deal — emerged as polls opened on the midterms.Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian state media reported overnight explosions confirming the US strikes, just hours before midterm polls opened.
US forces launched strikes on Qeshm Island after the IRGC fired surface-to-air missiles at an American aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz. The island is home to a substantial underground missile facility, a naval base and a major desalination plant, and officials described the operation as limited and defensive in nature. The strike came just hours before polls opened for Tuesday's midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans retain their congressional majority.
Residents of Qeshm reported five explosions in quick succession and said they spotted two aircraft in the sky above.
Trump told Fox News Iran wanted a deal 'very badly' but warned the US may still have to strike Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected nuclear site, adding it could be done 'in literally one hour'.
The war has cost US taxpayers at least $47.1 billion in nine months, and rising fuel prices have cratered Republican polling ahead of Election Day.
