US strikes Iran, reveals $4 billion aid cut
American forces targeted Iranian missile sites in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, while President Donald Trump disclosed a reduction in financial support for Israel.
By Hiroshi Ferrari ·
The United States military conducted airstrikes on Iranian positions in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. These actions took place one day before the midterm elections. The strikes targeted systems that Iranian forces were using to fire surface-to-air missiles at American assets in the waterway.
A U.S. official confirmed the operation on condition of anonymity. The administration described the action as defensive. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm and Hengam islands. Reports also indicated activity in the mainland area of Bandar Abbas.
This incident follows a pattern of undisclosed Pentagon operations in the Middle East. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has managed the release of information regarding these recent airstrikes. The White House has generally kept details of these engagements private.
President Donald Trump had stated just weeks ago that the United States would not launch strikes on Iran before the midterm elections. The timing of Monday's attack contrasts with that earlier declaration. The conflict has contributed to a spike in fuel prices, a factor cited in recent polling regarding public support for the administration.
A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released last month showed Trump's approval rating at 33 percent. In that survey, 65 percent of respondents said starting the war was a mistake. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pressed for additional strikes days before the U.S. attack.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi addressed the Qeshm Island attack on Tuesday. He accused the U.S. of ongoing aggression while noting that diplomatic talks continue through Qatari mediators. Gharibabadi stated that Tehran retains the right to self-defense and is prepared for any scenario.
During a telephone interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, Trump discussed financial aid to Israel. He revealed that the U.S. is providing $4 billion to the country, but the funding will be cut off at the end of the year. When asked why the money was being provided, Trump said, "Because they don't need it, Brian. I asked them."
Trump added that Netanyahu brought up the issue of aid. The Israeli leader said it would be appropriate for the U.S. to stop receiving the support. Trump told Kilmeade that he has a 99 percent approval rating in Israel. He joked that if Americans got tired of him, he would move to Israel and become prime minister.
