U.S. strikes Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz before midterms

The United States launched a limited series of strikes against Iranian military targets on Monday, according to a U.S. official. The operation targeted surface-to-air missile positions in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported explosions on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam, as well as in the mainland area of Bandar Abbas. Unlike previous engagements in the ongoing conflict, the administration did not publicly announce the attacks before they occurred.

The strikes happened the day before midterm elections, despite President Donald Trump saying earlier that the U.S. would not launch attacks on Iran before the vote. The war has been a political vulnerability for the Republican Party, which faces pressure to hold Congress. High gasoline prices and broader economic impacts have fueled voter concern. The new strikes targeted Iranian forces using missiles against U.S. positions in the waterway.

Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Monday that he and President Trump feel optimistic about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. The strikes occurred while Iran outlined a two-day plan to reopen the strait and resume nuclear talks. The waterway handles approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply during peacetime. Thousands of U.S. troops remain in waters off Iran to maintain a naval blockade on oil tankers. Additional forces and an aircraft carrier are en route to the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the U.S. for another wave of strikes after the elections, according to two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter. A return to full-scale war could help Netanyahu form an emergency government after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority in last week's elections. Mediators are working on a framework for Iran to cease attacks in the strait in exchange for the U.S. lifting its port blockade. More talks are scheduled for this week.

In Tehran, residents watched the U.S. elections with mixed feelings. Reza Rezaei, 69, said the American people need to end the leadership of an extreme figure who supports Israel. He hopes for peace and stability for the world. Raheleh Movahhed offered a less optimistic view, stating that the policies of the American government have always had a problem with Iran, regardless of who holds power.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf told state television on Tuesday that Iran delivered a firm and rational response to the U.S. He said the ball is now in America's court to prevent war. Qalibaf warned that Iran's armed forces are at the highest level of defensive readiness. He stated that if Washington makes another strategic miscalculation, it will face a new battlefield.

Iran opened its third military training center in Tehran on Monday. Authorities announced plans to train one million paramilitary volunteers nationwide amid fears of renewed conflict. Ali Kowsari, the Basij's deputy head for training, said 1,500 training bases will begin operating in cities and towns across the country. Two similar centers previously opened in Tehran in August and September. The Basij is a paramilitary force affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard.