On Tuesday, November 3, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the American military had carried out airstrikes against an Iranian air defense system on Qechm island, the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Trump, the Iranian military had spent around two months building the infrastructure, which was closely monitored by Washington before being destroyed. The operation was reportedly conducted in a "very gentle" manner.
The airstrikes were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous US officials. The Journal described the operation as one of several "limited" and "defensive" strikes carried out in secret over several weeks. The strikes were not publicly announced to avoid giving the impression of a large-scale escalation of hostilities. Iranian news agency Irna reported five close explosions on the island, while residents claimed to have seen two aircraft in the sky.
According to CNN, three US officials stated that the strikes were intended to protect American assets in the region. A Jerusalem Post report cited a US official claiming that Iranian Revolutionary Guards had fired a missile at an American aircraft flying over the strait, prompting a defensive response from US forces. However, the Revolutionary Guards also reported shooting down two American reconnaissance drones over Qechm, although it is unclear if this incident is linked to the airstrikes.
The US Central Command (Centcom) declined to comment on the operation, while the Israeli military denied involvement. Iranian Vice Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that his country reserved the right to retaliate, while President Massoud Pezeshkian warned that a resumption of hostilities would not benefit anyone and that his government was seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
The airstrikes occurred as Trump suggested on Monday that an agreement with Iran "could happen." On Tuesday, Qatari mediators reported that both parties remained engaged in negotiations, with Doha working towards an interim agreement. However, any escalation would likely complicate discussions. Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that it was up to the US to prevent war.
The incident took place on the eve of the US midterm elections, with some media outlets speculating about a potential short and intense military campaign after the vote. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was considering a larger-scale attack after the elections, although a final decision had not been made. Some Gulf Arab countries are reportedly preparing for potential US reprisals and Iranian retaliation.
The conflict between Iran and the US has been ongoing since February, with tensions centered around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has blockaded the strait since the start of the war, while the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Trump claimed on Tuesday that the US had "total control" of the strait through the blockade. The Iranian government has demanded a ceasefire, the release of frozen assets, and an end to oil sanctions in exchange for reopening the strait.
Key points
- US President Donald Trump confirms American airstrikes on Iranian air defense system on Qechm island
- The airstrikes were reportedly conducted in a "very gentle" manner to protect American assets in the region
- The incident has not affected ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, with Qatar working towards an interim agreement
