Two Missiles Strike Qeshm Island as Trump Confirms Limited Strikes
Two missiles struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, November 7, 2026, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency. The latest impact follows an earlier Monday, November 2, assault that Washington officials described to the Wall Street Journal as a defensive measure rather than the start of a large-scale military operation. CNN Indonesia reported two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island on Friday, November 6, while Tasnim and AFP documented the missile strikes on Saturday. Iranian government media noted the two explosions on the strategic island at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday (2/11), the U.S. military launched a limited attack against Qeshm Island and Hengam around the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes occurred amid threats of a major U.S. attack against Iran involving the Mother of All Bombs.
President Donald Trump declined to directly confirm the Qeshm Island missile strikes when questioned by reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday, November 6, but acknowledged that the United States has carried out minor attacks targeting Iranian anti-aircraft equipment. “We did small strikes,” Trump told reporters, claiming that an Iranian anti-aircraft device was disabled in five to fifteen minutes. CNBC Indonesia noted that Trump asserted Israel and the wider Middle East would not exist if he had not prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In a post on Truth Social cited by Tasnim, Trump wrote that the issue must be addressed and that his administration continues to do so. Regarding the Iranian nuclear program, Trump stated that Iran cannot take any steps under mediator proposals without direct U.S. approval, adding, “They won’t do anything without our approval. Remember what I say, Iran will never have nuclear weapons.” He further noted that the initiative holds no fundamental significance for the U.S., stating, “It doesn’t matter what they discuss. They won’t have nuclear weapons. They know that. I know it too.” Trump also mentioned ongoing contacts, stating, “We are dealing with the Iranian side, we’ll see how it develops later.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed an MQ-1 reconnaissance and combat drone over Qeshm Island on Friday, alongside two MQM-170 surveillance drones, according to CNN Indonesia. The Iranian military also claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Two MQM-170 reconnaissance drones were also shot down on the same day. These deployments coincide with preparations at U.S. Central Command for potential expanded operations, though officials told Fox News that CENTCOM has received no new execution orders from Washington.
Political fallout from the ongoing conflict has intensified in Washington following the midterm elections in which Republicans lost control of Congress. CNBC Indonesia reported that Defense Minister Pete Hegseth faced sharp criticism from lawmakers over the eight-month military campaign against Iran, which critics argue has driven up fuel prices and strained national security. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi spoke with Trump by phone on Thursday, November 5, to emphasize that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launchpad for regional aggression, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office on X reported by Kompas.com. During the conversation, Al-Zaidi stressed that Iraqi territory must not be used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Strait of Hormuz Strikes
What specific targets did the U.S. military hit during the strikes on Qeshm Island?
President Donald Trump stated that the operations targeted an anti-aircraft device built by Iran, which he claimed was disabled within minutes. Iranian government media reported two explosions in the Suza area on Qeshm Island, though official damage assessments have not been released.
Why did the United States launch these military operations in early November 2026?
U.S. officials speaking to the Wall Street Journal characterized the November 2 attacks as defensive responses to Iranian ground-to-air missiles targeting American assets. President Trump also linked the campaign to broader efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
More on Qeshm Island
🚨🇺🇸🇮🇷 BREAKING: A US official confirms American "small-scale strikes" hit Qeshm Island tonight The official told the Journal the strikes don't signal a return to full combat, the same line used for Monday's hit after the IRGC fired on US jets. Iranian negotiators go back to… pic.twitter.com/eJXas1sfxd