• Analysis
US Strikes Qeshm Island as Trump Signals Progress in Iran Talks
The United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported, in what officials described as the latest of a series of limited, undeclared strikes. The same day, President Donald Trump signalled progress in negotiations with Tehran to end the eight-month-old conflict.
Explosions reported on the strait's largest island
The US struck Qeshm on Monday, targeting the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that five explosions in rapid succession were heard on the island.
- •IRNA reported five explosions in rapid succession
- •Some residents reported seeing two aircraft flying over the island
A secret series of limited strikes
Officials said the strike was the latest of a series of limited strikes Washington has secretly carried out against Iran in recent weeks. They described the operations as defensive in nature, aimed at preventing Iran from having the freedom to attack commercial ships in the strait. The US has not publicly announced the attacks, so as not to signal any intention of resuming major combat operations.
No comment from Central Command
The Pentagon referred questions to US Central Command, which did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment late Monday.
Talks and oil markets react
The strike came as Trump signalled progress in negotiations with Tehran to end the eight-month-old conflict. On the eve of US midterm elections, Trump said that a deal with Tehran "could happen".
Oil prices fell by more than seven percent on Monday on optimism over a possible end to the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit for oil shipments, has been largely blocked since the war began in late February.
US Central Command had not responded late Monday, and the US has not publicly announced the attacks.
