U.S. Strikes Hit Strait of Hormuz Before Midterms

The U.S. military struck Iranian positions near the Strait of Hormuz shortly before Tuesday’s midterm elections. Iranian state media said explosions were heard on Qeshm and Hengam, as well as around Bandar Abbas on the mainland. A U.S. official said the operation targeted Iranians who had used surface-to-air missiles against American forces in the strait.

President Donald Trump has spent weeks weighing another round of attacks after the elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged renewed action during a weekend call with Trump, according to officials and another person briefed on the conversation. The Trump administration’s previous known attacks occurred in early September. The conflict has continued for more than eight months, disrupting the global economy and affecting U.S. gasoline prices. Those economic effects and the war’s unpopularity have become liabilities for the Republican Party as it seeks to retain control of Congress.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the military pressure. Mediators are working on a possible exchange in which Iran would stop attacks in the strait and the U.S. would end its naval blockade. Iran has also tied reopening the waterway and restarting nuclear discussions to sanctions relief for oil sales and a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. Thousands of U.S. troops remain near Iran to enforce the blockade, while another aircraft carrier and additional troops are heading to the Middle East. Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei said Tuesday that the strait would remain closed until Iran’s conditions are addressed.