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US launches limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island amid war tensions
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
The US has carried out limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to US officials, who described them as defensive and in response to the Revolutionary Guard firing on a US aircraft. The strikes came as mediators worked to prevent a return to full-scale war and President Donald Trump faced pressure from Republicans to end the conflict.
Iran’s state news agency reported explosions on the island, while the Revolutionary Guard said it had shot down three US drones; the US military has not commented. Iran and the US are exchanging proposals through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with Tehran linking the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to conditions including lifting a naval blockade and releasing frozen Iranian assets. Normally, about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass through the strait, which has been effectively closed during the war.
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In short
- US officials say strikes on Qeshm Island were limited and defensive.
- Iran says it shot down three US drones near the island and strait.
- Mediators are seeking a deal to end the war and reopen Hormuz.
How this story developed
- 38 minutes ago The latest account placed the strikes amid efforts to avoid a return to full-scale war after the US midterm elections, as Trump’s poll numbers fell; reports of explosions, Iran’s claim to have downed three US drones and negotiations over Hormuz access remained unchanged.
- 45 minutes ago US officials said American forces had launched limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in response to the Revolutionary Guard firing on a US aircraft, as mediators sought to avert renewed war and Trump faced Republican pressure to end the conflict.
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Centre outlets 1
Only here: launches, limited, strikes, tensions
Every side used: iran, qeshm, island
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The case for
Supporters could argue that a limited strike was a proportionate act of self-defence after an alleged attack on a US aircraft, and might deter further threats to US forces and shipping. They may see a firm response as strengthening diplomacy by showing that attacks carry costs, while keeping the action limited could help avoid a wider war.
The case against
Critics could argue that striking Iranian territory risks escalation and civilian harm, especially when reports of the triggering incident are disputed and the US military has not commented. With mediators exchanging proposals, they may see restraint as more likely to preserve negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure threatens global energy supplies.
Explained simply
Qeshm is an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Before the current conflict, about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments passed through the strait; its closure has disrupted a key route for energy supplies.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is a powerful military force, separate from the country’s regular armed forces. The United States and Iran have been adversaries for decades, and fighting between them has raised fears of a wider war. Qatar and Pakistan are acting as intermediaries as the two countries exchange proposals, including over the blockade and frozen Iranian assets.
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Originally published by BBC World as “US strikes Iranian island ahead of midterm elections”.