The United States carried out limited airstrikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on November 2, according to US officials, adding to tensions around a strategic international shipping route.
Two US officials told ABC News that the operation was defensive and was not intended to signal a return to large-scale combat. One official said the strikes followed an Iranian attack on a US aircraft.
Officials describe limited operation
A US official told the Associated Press that American forces targeted Iranian personnel using surface-to-air missiles against US assets. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island, while the full extent of any damage or casualties was not immediately clear.
US Central Command had not publicly provided a detailed account of the operation at the time of the initial reports.
Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint
Qeshm Island lies near the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit route for oil and gas shipments. Attacks on vessels and military incidents in the waterway have heightened concerns about maritime security and energy supplies.
US officials have described other recent strikes in the area as limited operations intended to respond to threats against American forces and shipping.
Diplomatic contacts continue
The latest strikes came as Washington and Tehran continued indirect diplomatic contacts over a possible settlement. US Vice President JD Vance said the administration saw potential for progress, although major differences remained.
The incident illustrates the risk of further escalation even as regional mediators seek a negotiated outcome.