US officials say limited 'defensive' strikes hit targets on Iran's Qeshm Island
Unnamed US officials told AP and Reuters on Monday 2 November that the United States had carried out limited, defensive strikes on targets on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, in response to Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against US assets. The officials said the action was not a resumption of major combat operations. The Pentagon referred questions to US Central Command, which did not respond to requests for comment.
This report reflects only what unnamed US officials have told news organisations. It has not been independently confirmed, and no on-the-record US military statement was available.
US officials say the United States carried out limited strikes on targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday 2 November (US time), on the eve of the US midterm elections. An unnamed US official told AP the strikes were “defensive” and targeted “Iranians using surface to air missiles against U.S. assets”. The official was not authorised to comment publicly, AP reported.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the strikes, citing US officials. Reuters quoted an official as saying the strikes appeared to be limited and were not a resumption of major combat operations. Another official told Reuters the strikes were defensive measures against Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against US assets. Reuters said Fox News, citing officials, reported the strikes followed Iran firing at a US aircraft.
Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island, according to AP.
No on-the-record comment
The Pentagon referred a request for comment to US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US forces in the Middle East. CENTCOM did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Trump on Monday
Asked by reporters on Monday whether he was considering striking Iran after Tuesday’s midterm elections, President Donald Trump replied “no”, according to Reuters.
Oil
Brent crude futures rose 0.5%, or 48 cents, to $105.25 a barrel by 1.04am GMT on Tuesday, after the Journal’s report, Reuters said. Brent had settled at $104.77 on Monday, down $8.66, or 7.63%.
Sources
- US has conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, US official says · The Associated Press
- US carries out 'defensive' strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, officials say · Reuters (via Devdiscourse)
- US military strikes Iran's Qeshm Island · Reuters / AP (via AAP)
- Oil rises after report of US strike on Iran's Qeshm Island · Reuters (via CNBC)
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