Conflict & Security
US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island as Netanyahu presses Trump to escalate
November 3, 2026 at 02:00 AM · Updated 17m ago
10 reports · 8 in Arabic, 2 in English · over 3 hours
US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island cap weeks of covert attacks as Netanyahu urges Trump to launch further strikes while talks continue.
- US forces struck Iran's Qeshm Island early Tuesday, the latest in weeks of covert limited strikes, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials.
- Netanyahu urged Trump during a weekend call to launch a new wave of strikes on Iran; Trump made no commitment, officials told the Associated Press.
- Tehran said Monday it had a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks with the US.
- Trump said Iran "wants a settlement" and he is in no hurry to resume military operations, after threatening the military option if talks fail.
- A US official told CNN the strikes targeted Iranian surface-to-air missiles used against American assets, describing the action as limited and defensive.
- Vice President JD Vance said there had been 'some progress' toward an off-ramp to the war while Washington keeps military options open.
- US officials said the strike was launched after Iran fired a missile from Qeshm toward a US fighter jet over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported shooting down two US reconnaissance drones in the area.
- Trump told Fox News Washington might destroy Iran's 'Mountain Axe' site and could execute such a strike within an hour.
- Axios reported the administration is weighing resuming strikes, a negotiated deal, or continued economic pressure, backed by Ratcliffe, Bessent and Rubio.
- Iran's foreign minister said Tehran is prepared for both diplomatic and military scenarios as talks with Qatari mediators continue.








