U.S. Strikes Iranian Missile Sites in Strait of Hormuz Ahead of Midterm Elections
The United States conducted limited strikes on Iranian surface-to-air missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz hours before Tuesday's midterm elections, heightening regional tensions as back-channel negotiations continue.
Hours before Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections, the United States carried out a limited strike on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official stated that the operation targeted Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against the U.S. in the strait. 
Iranian state media reported explosions on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam, as well as in the mainland area of Bandar Abbas. The action comes almost two months since last full-scale operations in a more than eight-month-old war that has rattled the global economy, wreaked havoc on Iran, and raised concerns about its impact on U.S. gasoline prices and vulnerability for the Republican Party in Congress control.
Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the strait will not reopen until the U.S. addresses Iran’s conditions. Iran has offered to reopen the strait and resume nuclear talks if the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives oil sanctions, and observes a ceasefire, including in Lebanon. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, warned that Iran’s armed forces remain at the highest level of defensive readiness.
Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he and President Donald Trump feel good about the prospects for a potentially negotiated settlement. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi called on Iran and the U.S. to engage in dialogue and reach an agreement. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Trump for renewed military action during a call over the weekend. 
Thousands of U.S. troops remain in waters off Iran to maintain a naval blockade, with another aircraft carrier and additional troops en route to the Middle East. The strikes have heightened regional tension and fear of renewed war.