US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island amid signs of progress in peace talks, says report
The United States reportedly launched strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday, raising fresh questions about the direction of the ongoing conflict even as diplomatic efforts appeared to be gaining momentum.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which cited unnamed US officials, the strikes targeted Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz. The reported operation is believed to be part of a series of limited US military actions against Iran carried out quietly over recent weeks.
Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported that five explosions were heard in quick succession on the island. Some residents also reportedly witnessed two aircraft flying over the area, adding to concerns about the latest military developments.
The Pentagon referred questions about the reported strikes to US Central Command. However, the military command had not immediately responded to a request for comment from AFP late Monday.
The Wall Street Journal further reported that Washington had conducted smaller-scale operations against Iranian targets for several weeks. Some US officials reportedly described these actions as defensive measures intended to prevent Iran from threatening commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway remains a critical international shipping route, particularly for global oil supplies. However, traffic through the passage has been severely disrupted since the conflict began in late February, creating significant uncertainty for energy markets and international trade.
The report also suggested that the United States had avoided publicly announcing these operations to prevent sending a signal that Washington intended to restart large-scale military action.
Despite the latest reported strikes, US President Donald Trump offered a more hopeful message on Monday. Speaking ahead of the US midterm elections, Trump indicated that an agreement with Tehran remained possible, saying a deal “could happen.”
His remarks have added another dimension to an already complicated situation, where military developments and diplomatic discussions appear to be unfolding simultaneously.
Financial markets responded positively to the possibility of progress. Oil prices, which had surged following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, dropped by more than seven per cent on Monday as investors reacted to growing optimism that the conflict could eventually come to an end.
The situation remains uncertain, with the reported military activity highlighting the fragile balance between confrontation and diplomacy. For countries dependent on stable energy supplies and international shipping, developments in the coming days could have consequences far beyond the Middle East.
Ultimately, the possibility of a peace agreement offers hope, but lasting stability will depend on whether diplomatic promises can translate into meaningful action and an end to the hostilities.