US officials told the Wall Street Journal that the US secretly attacked Iran's Qeshm Island, describing the strikes as defensive operations to prevent Iran from attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. One official stated that Washington kept the strikes under wraps to avoid signalling an intention to resume major combat operations.

Additionally, Trump appeared to soften his position on Monday by ruling out an immediate strike, after earlier suggesting the US could return to broader conflict following Tuesday’s midterm elections.