US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, US officials say

Iran's state news agency IRNA reported several explosions on Qeshm Island late Monday, and witnesses said they saw two planes over the island.

US officials described the strikes as limited and defensive, a response to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) firing on a US aircraft.

Why it matters

The strikes came on the eve of Tuesday's US midterm elections. Asked on Monday whether he would strike Iran after the vote, President Donald Trump said no.

Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible. It could happen!

— Donald Trump, US president

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said "very intensive" talks to end the war are under way with the United States through mediators.