The United States has reportedly carried out covert strikes on Iran’s strategically important Qeshm Island, according to The Wall Street Journal, even as President Donald Trump downplayed the prospect of renewed military action against Tehran and expressed optimism about a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA reported that several explosions were heard on Qeshm Island, which lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies. However, Iranian authorities did not immediately confirm the cause of the explosions or identify their source.
Citing US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported that the latest attack was part of a series of limited American military operations conducted over recent weeks. The strikes were reportedly kept secret and limited in scale to avoid signalling an immediate return to a broader military campaign against Iran.
Qeshm Island holds considerable strategic significance because of its location near the Strait of Hormuz. The island is home to military and naval infrastructure, including a reported underground missile facility, a naval base and a major desalination plant. The United States has previously targeted the island during earlier rounds of fighting, while American officials have also discussed the possibility of seizing it.
Trump Rules Out Immediate Strike as Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The reported strikes come amid mixed signals from Washington, with the Trump administration continuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran while keeping military options in the background.
On Monday, Trump cast doubt on the possibility of renewed American attacks following Tuesday’s US midterm elections. Asked whether he was considering striking Iran after the elections, the US president reportedly answered, “No.”
Trump also pointed to the pause in direct fighting between the two sides, suggesting that the situation had changed from the earlier phase of the conflict. His remarks came amid growing expectations that negotiations could produce an agreement and prevent a fresh escalation.
US Vice President JD Vance also expressed optimism about the prospects of a negotiated settlement. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Vance said Washington and Tehran had held several constructive conversations and that both he and Trump felt positive about the possibility of reaching an agreement.
The vice president added that the administration would continue working towards a diplomatic solution.
According to reports, Vance had sent a letter to Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, the previous week. The White House provided limited information about the communication, while Trump said the letter focused on assistance involving medical supplies and other necessities.
Netanyahu Reportedly Urges Trump to Consider Fresh Strikes
Diplomatic efforts are unfolding alongside reported pressure from Israel for Washington to maintain a tougher military posture towards Tehran.
According to *Axios*, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump spoke by telephone on Saturday to discuss negotiations with Iran and the possibility of resuming military operations.
Citing Israeli and American sources, the report said Netanyahu urged Trump to consider fresh strikes after the US midterm elections. Trump, however, was reportedly inclined to allow diplomatic efforts to continue for the time being.
An Israeli source described the conversation as “tough”, while an American source characterised it as “direct”.
The reported differences underline the competing considerations facing Washington: maintaining pressure on Iran and addressing Israeli security concerns while avoiding a renewed conflict that could destabilise the wider Middle East.
Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Programme Remain Key Sticking Points
The latest developments follow months of conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026. Washington cited concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme as a central justification for the military campaign.
Iran retaliated with attacks targeting American interests and military bases in Gulf countries. The conflict also disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international oil and gas shipments.
The United States subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iran, adding another layer of pressure to the confrontation.
A ceasefire framework agreed upon in June initially gave the two sides 60 days to negotiate a lasting truce. However, negotiations quickly encountered difficulties, particularly over the future of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
These unresolved issues continue to complicate diplomatic efforts, even as both governments signal an interest in avoiding another round of large-scale fighting.
The reported strikes on Qeshm Island highlight the uncertainty surrounding the current phase of the conflict. While Trump and Vance have indicated that a negotiated settlement remains possible, reports of covert military operations and Israel’s calls for renewed action suggest that the risk of escalation has not disappeared.
Whether Washington and Tehran can bridge their differences over nuclear activities, maritime security and regional military deployments will likely determine whether the current diplomatic opening leads to a durable agreement or another phase of confrontation.
