Trump confirms new US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm island
President Donald Trump confirmed fresh United States strikes targeting Iranian air defences after Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz. He described the operation as limited while also claiming progress in contacts with Tehran. The renewed military action on November 6–7 came as Qatar continued mediation aimed at preventing a wider regional escalation.
Geopolitics··Midday
Trump says US forces targeted Iranian air defences
President Donald Trump confirmed new United States strikes against Iranian air defences after reports of explosions on Qeshm, an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters in Florida on November 6 local time, he described the operation as limited and said US forces had destroyed an anti-aircraft device. Iranian state media reported two strikes or explosions in the island’s Suza area as the date moved into November 7 in the region.[1], [2]
Iran’s state news agency cited local witnesses who said projectiles struck after the sound of an aircraft overhead. The narrow waterway is a crucial route for oil shipments. Asked about the explosion reports, a United States Central Command official told Al Jazeera that the command was aware of them and had no further comment, describing the situation as relatively calm.[1], [2]
Qatar continues mediation as strikes resume
Trump also said contacts with Tehran were continuing and claimed progress without providing details. Qatar’s foreign ministry rejected claims that negotiations had failed. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said mediation remained active to prevent a wider regional escalation, describing work with US officials and contacts in Tehran to keep the confrontation from spiralling.[1]
Regional officials cited in the Reuters-credited account said Iran was reviewing Qatari proposals addressing differences over its nuclear programme. One official said Tehran still tied nuclear negotiations to core ceasefire demands. Those demands included ending the US blockade of Iranian ports, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, compensation for wartime damage and an end to hostilities across the region. The officials spoke anonymously because the discussions were sensitive.[2]
Officials described a proposed two-day sequence of confidence-building measures: steps on the blockade and frozen funds, access for international nuclear inspectors and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. These remained proposals under discussion as mediators sought a route towards broader nuclear negotiations.[2]
The new operation follows earlier strikes this week
The latest action was separate from the operation US officials described as defensive on Monday, when explosions were reported around Qeshm, nearby Hengam island and Bandar Abbas on Iran’s coast. Renewed strikes came after US midterm elections and amid Trump’s alternating threats of further military action and statements that a settlement was approaching. Qatar has continued diplomatic contacts with both sides while seeking to contain further escalation.[1], [2]
