The United States has carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island within the Strait of Hormuz, as President Donald Trump suggests a deal with Tehran may be possible despite ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The strikes against Iran were first reported by The Wall Street Journal, which cited officials in the United States. U.S. officials confirmed the attack took place on Monday, Reuters reported. Another U.S. official said that the strike was in self-defence against Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles.
The operation did not appear to appear to be a large scale operation, and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), who oversee U.S. military activity in the area did not immediately issue a comment when contacted by Reuters.
The attack came just hours after Trump suggested Tehran was keen for a breakthrough. In a post to his Truth Social platform, the U.S. president said Iran was “eager” to strike a deal.
Trump Suggests Deal With Iran May Be Possible
Trump’s comments come after reports emerged of attempts to ease tensions. Trump also said in his Truth Social post that oil prices had fallen almost $10/barrel.
“Iran wants a deal. They want it fast. Maybe!”
His comments suggest Washington is still trying to negotiate a deal. Trump was also asked earlier today if he was planning further attacks against Iran following the U.S. midterm elections due to take place on Tuesday. To which he replied “no.”
However, the president has previously suggested a military response could follow the election, so it is unclear what Washington will do next.
Explosions On Qeshm Island
The reported U.S. strike came after several explosions were reported on Qeshm Island. The island is located within the Strait Of Hormuz.
The Strait Of Hormuz is a key transport route for energy internationally so can cause concern when there is an escalation in the region.
The attack was the latest in a series of low key strikes carried out by the U.S. against Iran in recent weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported. The attacks were intentionally small scale and covert to avoid suggestions the U.S. was looking to launch a full scale attack, the newspaper reported citing U.S. officials.
A U.S. official said the attack was in self-defence against Iranian forces using surface to air missiles, Reuters reported. However, little detail was immediately available about what was hit and the level of damage.
Iran Claims Seizure Of Second U.S. Drone
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed to have seized another U.S. reconnaissance and decoy drone near the Strait Of Hormuz.
In a report, Iran’s state news agency IRNA said the electronic warfare unit of the force had spotted an MQM-170 drone west of the Strait Of Hormuz on Monday. It said they had taken control of the drone’s navigation systems and landed it safely.
The IRGC said the plane had been used to collect intelligence about Iran’s air defences along the coast of the Persian Gulf and around Qeshm Island. These claims have not been independently confirmed.
The MQM-170 Outlaw is manufactured by Griffon Aerospace based in the U.S. It was developed to mimic aerial threats to aid military training.
This gives another point for tension between the two countries. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the incident.
Qeshm Island Hit By U.S. Strikes In June
Qeshm Island has been attacked by U.S. forces before. On June 2 the U.S. hit what it said was an Iranian ground control centre for drones.
They said they had shot down three one-way attack drones targeting civilian ships in the region. They also said they had shot down Iranian drones and ballistic missiles flying across the Middle East.
The drone control centre was hit in self-defence, the U.S. military said.
Attempts Being Made To Resolve Situation
Attempts are being made to resolve the situation. The Associated Press reported that mediators are working on a deal where Iran agree to stop attacking in the Strait Of Hormuz, if the U.S. lifts the blockade on Iranian ports. More talks are expected to take place this week.
Iran has also said they have a plan to open up the Strait Of Hormuz and begin nuclear talks if Washington agrees to their demands.
At the moment there is no confirmed deal between the two countries. Trump’s comments suggest there may be some progress however the attack on Qeshm Island shows there are still tensions in the military. It remains to be seen if the diplomatic attempts can prevent further attacks.