The United States carried out limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday, November 2, US officials said, bringing fresh military action to the Strait of Hormuz a day before Americans vote in the midterm elections. Iranian state media reported explosions on the island as President Donald Trump continued to hold out the possibility of a deal with Tehran.
A US official told The Associated Press that the operation targeted Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against American assets. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the operation publicly.
US officials described the action as defensive and limited in scope. The initial accounts did not establish the extent of damage or provide a verified casualty figure.
Strikes Come Amid Mixed Signals From Trump on a Deal
The operation comes after Trump’s recent statements that the United States would not strike Iran before the midterm elections.
Asked on Monday whether he was considering attacks after Tuesday’s elections, Trump answered “no.” He also suggested that an agreement with Iran remained possible.
Vice President JD Vance separately expressed optimism about negotiations after speaking with Trump earlier Monday, AP reported. However, those diplomatic signals accompanied continued military activity.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the Qeshm attack, citing US officials. The report also notes American forces have carried out other limited strikes in recent weeks without publicizing them, seeking to avoid signaling a return to a major military campaign.
Hormuz remains a focus of the US – Iran confrontation
Qeshm lies at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for energy shipments. Some US officials described the recent operations as efforts to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels.
The confrontation has already drawn shipping into the conflict, through the US blockade announced in April and incidents involving vessels in the area. In October, a tanker was damaged by an unidentified projectile while leaving the Persian Gulf; its crew were reported safe.
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