US conducts strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in defensive operation

The United States conducted limited defensive strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island on November 2, 2026, after Iranian forces fired surface-to-air missiles at an American aircraft. Occurring on the eve of U.S. midterm elections, the strike followed weeks of undisclosed military actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the military action, U.S. Vice President JD Vance reported progress in diplomatic talks, while oil markets responded with price gains.

US strikes on Qeshm Island

• ▪The United States strikes on Qeshm Island occurred on November 2, 2026, the eve of the United States midterm elections
• ▪United States officials stated that the November 2, 2026 Qeshm Island strike targeted Iranian forces operating surface-to-air missiles against American assets in direct response to their firing at an American aircraft
• ▪Iranian state media reported that multiple explosions were heard on Qeshm Island following the United States strikes on Qeshm Island on November 2, 2026
• ▪The United States military carried out limited defensive strikes against Iranian targets on Qeshm Island

Strategic importance and security of the Strait of Hormuz

• ▪Qeshm Island sits 14 miles off the Iranian coast and plays a vital role in Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 million barrels of oil passed daily prior to the US-Iran war
• ▪Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz experienced a surge in Iranian attacks during October 2026, marking the highest monthly total since March 2026

Impact on crude oil prices

• ▪Brent crude oil futures rose 48 cents to $105.25 per barrel in early Asian trade on November 3, 2026, following news of the United States strike on Qeshm Island on November 2, 2026
• ▪United States West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 47 cents to $96.93 per barrel on November 3, 2026, after reports of the U.S. strike on Iran's Qeshm Island on November 2, 2026

Covert and unannounced US military operations

• ▪The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States military has been conducting secret, small-scale strikes on Iranian targets for several weeks
• ▪United States officials deliberately avoided publicly announcing military strikes against Iranian targets to signal that Washington was not seeking to restart large-scale combat operations

Diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations

• ▪United States Vice President JD Vance stated on November 2, 2026, that the United States and Iran have made progress toward a potential negotiated settlement
• ▪Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei granted the Iranian government authority to engage in peace talks