The United States has reportedly launched airstrikes against Iranian military installations on Qeshm Island, near the Strait of Hormuz, following an incident involving American surveillance aircraft.
US officials described Monday’s strikes as “defensive,” saying they targeted Iranian radar facilities and missile launchers considered a threat to commercial shipping. The operation followed claims by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it had shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone and seized two MQM-170 reconnaissance aircraft. Iranian media published footage allegedly showing the destruction of a drone, although the images have not been independently verified.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported five explosions on Qeshm Island late Monday, with witnesses describing aircraft flying overhead shortly before the blasts. American officials reportedly characterised the attack as a limited response rather than the beginning of another military offensive. Similar operations have allegedly taken place in recent weeks without public announcements, reflecting Washington’s apparent reluctance to escalate tensions ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed suggestions that another war with Iran is imminent. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he declared, “We had a war with Iran. We won,” and maintained that American forces had not been engaged in fighting for months. Asked whether further attacks were planned after the elections, Trump answered “no.” However, reports indicate that his administration continues to examine military options, with Gulf countries reportedly warned to anticipate a possible “short and intense” campaign. US Central Command has also been strengthening regional missile defences and replenishing ammunition reserves.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly urging Washington to resume military action against Tehran immediately after the American elections. The two leaders allegedly held a tense telephone conversation on Saturday, during which Trump favoured allowing further diplomatic efforts before authorising another major offensive.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Qatar concluded on Sunday without an agreement. Iran is demanding the removal of the American naval blockade, sanctions relief and access to frozen assets in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The United States continues to insist that any settlement must impose verifiable restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated on Monday that Tehran remains willing to negotiate but is “more prepared than ever” to confront further American attacks. He warned that the prospects for a peaceful settlement would depend on decisions made in Washington.
The confrontation follows the US-Israeli military campaign launched against Iran on February 28, which triggered months of fighting and significant disruption to international energy supplies. Although major combat operations have subsided, the continuing American naval blockade has maintained pressure on global oil markets. Trump nevertheless suggested that energy prices were falling sharply amid expectations of a diplomatic breakthrough, with West Texas Intermediate crude trading near $96.50 a barrel and Brent around $104.
US and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, with Iran shooting down an MQ-9 Reaper drone and US aircraft striking Iranian sites on Qeshm Island. https://t.co/CykGeTJiXG
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 3, 2026
