US officials say Qeshm Island strikes were defensive, with no plan to escalate

The U.S. military struck Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, the day before the U.S. midterm elections. U.S. officials told The New York Times the action was limited and defensive, and that there are no immediate plans to escalate.

One official told ABC News the strikes were a response to an Iranian attack on a U.S. aircraft. The BBC, citing its U.S. partner CBS, also reports officials called the strikes limited and defensive. NBC News said they appeared to be limited, not a full return to hostilities.

The Hill reports the targets were radar detectors and missile launchers. A U.S. official told NewsNation the strikes continued earlier attacks on Iran. Al Jazeera reported several explosions on Qeshm Island and in Bandar Lengeh.

France 24 says the strikes were the latest in a series of limited attacks Washington has carried out in secret in recent weeks. It calls the conflict eight months old.

Mediators are pressing both sides to reach a peace deal, The Hill reports. France 24 says President Donald Trump signalled progress in talks. CNBC reports Vice President Vance said he hopes for a "negotiated settlement."