United States strikes Iran's Qeshm Island in limited military operation
The strikes on the island in the Strait of Hormuz occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged President Donald Trump to increase military action.
The United States conducted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, November 2, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal and Siasat. The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, stated the attacks were part of several small-scale military operations conducted by Washington in recent weeks.
Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported a series of explosions on the island, which is located in the Strait of Hormuz. Siasat reported that witnesses saw two planes flying over the island and that radar equipment and missile launchers were hit.
The strikes were reportedly kept low-profile to avoid suggesting a return to a broader military campaign against Tehran. US officials provided different reasons for the action, with one telling CNN it was a response to Iran firing at a US aircraft, while another described it as a defensive measure against surface-to-air missiles.
The developments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to consider fresh military action after the US midterm elections. Axios reported that Trump and Netanyahu held a telephone conversation on Saturday to discuss the possibility of resuming military operations.
President Trump told reporters on Monday that he was not considering striking Iran after the Tuesday elections, indicating a diplomatic agreement remains possible. US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism regarding a negotiated settlement and noted he had spoken to Trump about the matter.
The United States and Iran have been at war since February 28. Mediators are reportedly working on a framework for Iran to stop attacks in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
