US reportedly strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island as Vance voices optimism about a deal

Iranian state media reported the sound of explosions on the island in the strait of Hormuz, coming on the eve of crucial US midterms

The ⁠US launched limited strikes on ​Iran’s Qeshm Island late on Monday, ⁠according to reports in US media, hours after vice-president JD Vance said he was optimistic diplomatic efforts to end the war were moving in the right direction.

The strikes were reported as being “defensive”, and not thought to be a signal of a return to full hostilities, but came on the eve of crucial midterm elections in which Donald Trump’s Republican party is expected to be punished by voters for the cascading effect the war has had on the US cost of living.