US conducts limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island amid rising tensions

The United States launched limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the attacks were a defensive response to fire from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aimed at a U.S. aircraft, according to officials briefed by CBS. The Pentagon's Central Command, which oversees operations in the Middle East, was contacted for comment.

President Trump, who is facing declining poll numbers ahead of the upcoming congressional elections, told reporters that the United States is not in a hurry to expand the campaign against Iran. He said the U.S. has already weakened Iran financially and that any further action, such as targeting the Pickaxe site linked to Iran's nuclear program, could be carried out quickly.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the state news agency IRNA that intensive diplomatic talks, mediated by third parties, are underway to end the conflict. He warned that Tehran is prepared for both diplomatic and military outcomes and urged the United States to choose a negotiated path rather than further military aggression.