The United States launched new strikes against Iran's strategically important Qeshm Island on Monday, part of a series of limited military operations carried out in recent weeks even as President Donald Trump signaled that a diplomatic agreement could avert renewed large-scale fighting, The Wall Street Journal reported.
U.S. officials told the Journal the strikes were intended to prevent Iranian forces from threatening commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil shipments.
The operations have largely been conducted without public announcements, reflecting an administration effort to contain Iranian military threats without signaling a return to full-scale war, according to the report.
Qeshm Island, situated near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, houses an underground missile facility, a naval base, and a major desalination plant.
The island was targeted during earlier fighting, and U.S. officials have previously discussed the possibility of seizing it.
Explosions were reported around the island Monday, although U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to the Journal's request for comment.
The latest operations come as Trump has softened his public warnings about resuming major military action against Tehran following Tuesday's midterm elections.
Asked directly whether he planned to strike Iran after the elections, Trump responded, "No."
However, administration officials told the Journal that Trump continues to consider military and economic options, including additional airstrikes, tougher sanctions, and tighter restrictions on Iranian trade.
The Journal previously reported that Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, briefed Trump at the White House last week as American forces prepared for possible expanded operations.
The military has moved additional missile defenses and munitions into the region, while Gulf nations have been advised to prepare for a potentially short but intense military campaign following the elections.
The latest reported strikes follow another incident near Qeshm Island over the weekend.
The military developments coincide with renewed diplomatic efforts involving Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators.
The Associated Press reported Monday that negotiators were discussing a possible arrangement under which Iran would halt attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.
Iranian officials have also demanded sanctions relief and a ceasefire extending to Lebanon as part of a broader settlement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday that Washington must make the next move.
"The ball is in the U.S. court," Baghaei told reporters in Tehran, adding that Iran's demands had been clearly communicated.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement addressing Iran's nuclear program.
The president also pointed Monday to declining oil prices as evidence that markets increasingly expect the conflict to be resolved without another major military confrontation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Trump to authorize another round of strikes against Iran following the midterm elections, according to The Associated Press, although the president has not committed to such action.
Trump confirmed that he spoke with Netanyahu over the weekend about Iran but offered few details about their discussion.
Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, have warned that renewed U.S. attacks could trigger retaliation extending beyond the Middle East.
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