The United States carried out limited strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials said, describing the operation as defensive and not a return to full-scale combat.
The strikes took place Monday, Nov. 2, after Iranian forces used surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. One official said the action followed an Iranian attack on a U.S. aircraft.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA and state television reported several explosions on Qeshm Island. No confirmed information on casualties or damage was immediately available.
U.S. Central Command Has Not Issued a Statement
The Pentagon referred questions to U.S. Central Command, which had not publicly commented on the operation by the time the reports were published. The strikes were first reported by The Wall Street Journal and subsequently confirmed by Reuters and The Associated Press.
Qeshm lies near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. The operation was the latest in a series of limited U.S. actions in the area, according to American officials.
Strikes Come as Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The attack came on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections and as intermediaries continued efforts to negotiate an arrangement between Washington and Tehran over attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
Vice President JD Vance said the White House still saw prospects for a negotiated settlement. The two sides had not announced an agreement.
Source: Vesti Baku.