Washington: The United States has conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said, as explosions were reported on Iran's Qeshm Island and in Bandar Lengeh amid heightened military tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the strikes targeted “Iranians using surface to air missiles against US assets”.
The operation appeared limited in scope rather than a full return to hostilities. It came on the eve of crucial US midterm elections, despite President Donald Trump previously saying that Washington would not launch strikes against Iran before the polls.
Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island. According to Al Jazeera, citing Iran's official IRNA news agency, five blasts were heard on the island, while further explosions were reported in Bandar Lengeh, in southern Iran near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
IRNA also reported that residents on Qeshm Island had spotted two aircraft flying over the area. There was no immediate official information on the cause of the explosions or reports of casualties.
Strikes follow Iranian claims of downing US drones
The latest developments came after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force claimed it had shot down three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz, including the 55th MQ-9 military drone.
According to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, the IRGC said two US MQM-170 reconnaissance drones had been brought down south of Qeshm Island using electronic warfare systems, taking the total number of captured drones of this type to four.
In a separate statement, the IRGC said its Aerospace Force had tracked and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz using a newly developed air defence system.
“The 55th advanced MQ-9 drone was tracked and brought down over the airspace east of the Strait of Hormuz by the Aerospace Force's newly developed air defense system, operating under the country's unified air defense network,” the IRGC said.
The claims of drone interceptions were made by Iranian authorities and have not been independently verified in the information provided.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid military escalation
The strikes come amid ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Tehran, with both sides having signalled the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
Trump on Monday claimed that oil prices had dropped by nearly $10 per barrel amid expectations of a diplomatic agreement with Iran.
In a post on X, he attributed the fall to market expectations that military confrontation would not resume.
“Oil Prices are DROPPING LIKE A ROCK, down almost $10 a Barrel, a RECORD, because people feel that there will not be a War with Iran. Iran wants a settlement as soon as possible. It could happen!” he wrote.
US Vice President JD Vance also expressed optimism about the negotiations, saying the administration believed some progress had been made.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintained that Tehran was prepared for both diplomacy and military confrontation, warning that any renewed military action would invite a stronger response.
Iran war weighs on US midterm elections
The latest military developments come as the Iran war remains a political vulnerability for Republicans ahead of the US midterm elections.
The unpopular conflict and its impact on American gasoline prices and other parts of the economy have created challenges for Republicans as they seek to retain control of Congress.
Trump had previously said the US would not launch strikes against Iran before the midterms. The limited defensive operation reported by the US official comes just ahead of the crucial vote, raising tensions in an already volatile region.
(With inputs from ANI and AP via PTI)
