US hits targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island near Strait of Hormuz

The United States carried out strikes on targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz on Nov. 2, according to U.S. officials cited by multiple outlets. Iranian state media reported several explosions on the island. One U.S. official described the operation as a limited, defensive action aimed at Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets, rather than a return to full-scale combat. The move comes as the Trump administration publicly downplays the risk of a wider war and Vice President JD Vance speaks of a possible negotiated settlement with Tehran. Qeshm sits off Iran’s southern coast at a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipping, making any military action there closely watched by energy markets and regional allies.