US forces reportedly carried out a covert strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday, marking the latest in a series of limited attacks intended to protect access through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the operation was among several secret US strikes against Iranian targets in recent weeks. American officials have characterized the actions as defensive measures.
Qeshm Island has reportedly been used by Iran to house ballistic missiles. The strategically important location is also home to a naval facility and a desalination plant.
Positioned near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, the island has come under repeated US attack since the conflict with Iran began.
A US official told the Journal that the latest series of strikes was kept secret to avoid suggesting that Washington was preparing to restart a broader military campaign.
President Trump has indicated that the eight-month conflict could intensify—and potentially come to an end—soon after Tuesday’s midterm elections.
“The only reason we are not finished with Iran is because I want to be nice,” Trump told supporters at a campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday night.
“I want to try and save all those lives if I can. But at some point, we’re going to have to give them the hammer,” he continued. “It’s going to be over very soon. Very soon.”
Earlier Monday, Trump responded with a single word when reporters asked whether the US would resume strikes against Iran following the midterms.
“No,” the president said after delivering remarks at the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.
“We had a war with Iran. We won,” Trump said during his speech. “I don’t know if you even call it a war because we haven’t been doing any fighting for months, you know. We control the Strait of Hormuz.”
The reported Qeshm operation comes as US and Iranian representatives continue negotiations aimed at reaching a peace agreement.
“Consultations through mediators are very intensive,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said after his delegation left Qatar on Sunday.
“We have presented our conditions and proposals, and everything depends on the political rationality of Washington,” he added.
US Central Command did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
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