The United States carried out strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, November 2, a US official said, describing the operation as defensive. Iranian media reported five explosions on Qeshm Island, but the reports do not independently establish who caused them or what was hit.
The official, speaking anonymously, said the strikes targeted Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against US assets. The Associated Press also reported the US account of defensive strikes. No detailed public explanation of the operation was cited in the reports.
Iranian state media reported the explosions on Qeshm, an island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran International, citing the state news agency IRNA, reported five blasts in quick succession. The explosion reports are separate from the US official’s account of the strikes.
Talks continue as midterm elections approach
The military action came hours after President Donald Trump said Iran wanted a settlement “as soon as possible” and that one “could happen.” Vice President JD Vance told reporters he and Trump were optimistic about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. Neither statement indicated that an agreement had been reached.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect discussions with Washington were taking place through mediators. He named Qatar and Pakistan as playing an active role and said consultations were intensive.
The strikes took place the day before the November 3 US midterm elections, in which Republicans were seeking to retain control of Congress. The war with Iran had become a point of political contention, with opposition to the conflict linked in the source report to economic concerns.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that normally carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil, has been heavily disrupted since the war began in late February. The diplomatic efforts reported so far have not produced an announced settlement.
Clayton Ward 
Nicole French