The United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, November 2, 2026, after Iran's IRGC fired on a US aircraft. US officials described the strike as defensive and limited. IRNA reported explosions on the island. Midterm elections follow on Tuesday. The Pentagon estimates the conflict has cost taxpayers more than $47 billion. On Hannity the night before the vote, President Trump called the fighting a soft war. "This isn't a war, this is a very soft war," he said, adding there had not been shooting for months. He said Operation Midnight Hammer bombed out Iran's potential nuclear power and that a strike on Pickaxe Mountain could be done in one hour. He said he was in no rush: "One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush. We crippled them financially." Fox dates the conflict to eight months ago; the BBC dates it to a US and Israel attack in February. Abbas Araghchi told IRNA that very intensive talks with the US via mediators are under way and that Tehran is prepared for diplomatic or military paths. Whether a deal or further strikes come after the midterms is unresolved.
How it spread
What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.
Whose framing of this story rings truest to you?
Left· 0 sources
No left coverage yet — a bubble gap.
Center· 2 sources
“Gold eases ahead of US midterm elections”Lower prices now probably mean investors think inflation and rates will not spike from the midterms.
I am waiting to add gold to my portfolio until the election results clear up the uncertainty.
Gold is easing because traders expect either party to keep things stable enough after the vote.