US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island as Vance voices optimism about a deal

Strikes on eve of US midterms reportedly target surface-to-air missiles being used against US assets

The US launched limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island late on Monday, hours after the vice-president, JD Vance, said he was optimistic that diplomatic efforts to end the war were moving in the right direction.

The strikes, disclosed by Iranians on social media and confirmed by US Central Command (Centcom), came on the eve of crucial midterm elections in which Donald Trump's Republican party is expected to be punished by voters. Diplomatic mediators believe it will be clear within two days whether the basis for continued indirect talks between the US and Iran exists.