US STRIKES IRAN’S STRATEGIC QESHM ISLAND AS TENSIONS RISE IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

November 3, 2026

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 3: The United States has carried out strikes on Iran’s strategically important Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing US officials. The reported attack comes amid an eight-month conflict between Washington and Tehran and growing uncertainty over the prospects for a diplomatic settlement.

Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported several explosions on Qeshm Island on Monday. The island, located near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, occupies an important position along a major international shipping route for oil and other energy supplies.

According to the reports, the strikes were limited in scale and formed part of a series of operations carried out by Washington in recent weeks. Some US officials reportedly described the attacks as defensive measures intended to restrict Iran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels passing through the strait. The United States has reportedly kept these operations largely undisclosed to avoid signalling a return to large-scale military action.

The Pentagon referred requests for comment to US Central Command, which had not immediately responded. The reports did not provide confirmed details about casualties or the extent of damage caused by the strikes.

The development comes as US President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty over whether Washington would resume a broader military campaign against Iran following the US midterm elections. Trump recently said a potential agreement with Tehran remained possible, raising hopes of progress towards ending the conflict.

The reported attack has nevertheless renewed concerns about regional escalation and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for global energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant consequences for international oil markets and energy supplies.