US Officials Say Defensive Strikes Hit Iran's Qeshm Island

US officials said American forces carried out defensive strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening, November 2, 2026, US time. Officials said the strikes appeared limited and were not a resumption of major combat operations. One official said they were defensive measures after Iranian forces used surface-to-air missiles against US assets. Another official said the strikes followed Iran firing at a US aircraft.

Iranian state media reported several explosions on Qeshm Island and gave few details on damage. The Pentagon referred questions to US Central Command, which did not immediately comment. Iranian media claimed US reconnaissance drones, including RQ-170 types, had been shot down. A US official said that claim was false.

Key details

• Place and time: Qeshm Island, Strait of Hormuz, Monday evening, November 2, 2026, US time, according to US officials.
• Officials' description: defensive, limited, after surface-to-air missiles against US assets and fire at a US aircraft. The aircraft type was not identified.
• Iranian state media reported explosions on the island. Damage was not detailed.
• Brent crude futures settled $8.66, or 7.63 percent, lower at $104.77 a barrel on Monday.

The strikes were defensive measures against Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against US assets.

Why it matters

Qeshm Island sits in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for military aircraft and commercial shipping. Officials tied Monday's strikes to Iranian fire at US aircraft and assets. Has US Central Command named the aircraft Iran fired at?