In recent weeks, the United States has been conducting limited military operations against Iran without public announcements. Another strike was carried out by the American military on November 2 on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, even as President Donald Trump simultaneously speaks of the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with Tehran.
The Wall Street Journal reported this, citing American officials. The information about limited strikes was also confirmed by sources at ABC News and CNN.
According to the WSJ interlocutors, Washington deliberately does not disclose information about these operations in order not to create the impression of preparation for the resumption of full-scale war. American officials describe the strikes as defensive measures aimed at protecting US military personnel and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Specifically, on November 2, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired a surface-to-air missile at an American fighter jet. According to US officials, the aircraft struck back in self-defense. During another incident the same day, American forces intercepted an Iranian missile launched from Qeshm Island towards commercial ships.
Qeshm Island is located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz – one of the most important routes for world oil maritime transport. It hosts an Iranian naval base and underground missile facilities. The island has previously been a target of American strikes.
The US Central Command did not provide operational public confirmation of the latest attack. The exact extent of damage to Iranian facilities remains unknown.
The new strikes take place against the backdrop of Donald Trump's statements about having no intention to rush into resuming a major military campaign against Iran. Speaking to journalists on November 2, the US president denied that he had already decided on a new attack after the midterm congressional elections.
In a telephone interview with Axios, Trump said that Washington continues negotiations with Tehran and is in no hurry to make a final decision. According to him, the Iranian leadership is interested in reaching an agreement, although the process is moving more slowly than the American side expects.
Qatari mediators, meanwhile, have prepared a draft agreement that provides for a sequence of confidence-building measures to restore direct negotiations between the US and Iran. The mediators are awaiting responses from both sides.
US Vice President JD Vance also reported some progress in diplomatic contacts. At the same time, the American administration does not rule out military options if negotiations fail.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the intensification of diplomatic consultations involving Qatar and Pakistan. He stated that Tehran is ready to continue negotiations provided its demands are taken into account, but warned of a response to a possible new large-scale US operation.
Thus, Washington continues to use limited military force against Iran in parallel with diplomatic efforts. At the same time, American officials emphasize that the latest strikes do not signify an official resumption of full-scale combat operations.
Based on materials from: The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Axios
