--- title: "US Forces Launch Attack on Qeshm Island in Iran" url: https://noti.group/us-forces-launch-attack-on-qeshm-island-in-iran/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-11-03T10:40:34.000Z updated: 2026-11-03T11:36:39.912Z id: c5683a89-82a4-4d5d-a42e-fe3f6b3e843d source: "Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/3/us-hits-qeshm-island-pezeshkian-signals-more-diplomacy-iran-war-latest?traffic_source=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/us-forces-launch-attack-on-qeshm-island-in-iran/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # US Forces Launch Attack on Qeshm Island in Iran A US military operation has struck Qeshm Island in Iran, marking the first attack on the strategic location since June. The assault is part of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with both sides adopting military and diplomatic postures. US forces have launched an attack on Qeshm Island in Iran, marking the first strike on the strategic location since June. Analysts describe Qeshm as a crucial platform for Iran's naval power, which it uses to counterbalance regional threats. The assault comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with both sides adopting military and diplomatic postures. Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar are underway in an attempt to prevent a return to all-out conflict. The two countries clashed on February 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes across Iran, causing significant damage and disruption. The Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies, was closed following the initial attacks, leading to surging prices in the energy market. Qeshm Island's location makes it an important hub for Iranian naval power, allowing it to monitor and counter potential threats from the Gulf. Multiple explosions were reported on Qeshm Island late on Monday, with eyewitnesses describing two planes flying over the island in rapid succession. According to Iran's state-owned IRNA news agency, witnesses saw the planes as they carried out what officials called "defensive strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military has described its action as a defensive measure aimed at protecting regional interests and preventing further escalation. The attack has heightened concerns about renewed conflict between the US and Iran following Tuesday's midterm elections in the United States, which have raised questions about the direction of American foreign policy. The strikes on Qeshm Island were reportedly limited in scope and did not signal a resumption of large-scale military operations against Iran. According to US officials quoted by The Associated Press, the defensive strikes were aimed at Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against American assets. This action comes after reports emerged that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unit destroyed a US MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns about escalating tensions in the region. The US had previously targeted a critical desalination plant on Qeshm Island on March 7, cutting off freshwater supplies to 30 surrounding villages and prompting Tehran to condemn the move as a flagrant crime" against civilians. Qatari mediators have been engaged in indirect talks with Iranian officials in recent days, passing messages between the two sides in an effort to find common ground. Intensive consultations are underway as Iran and the US engage in indirect talks through mediators. Iranian officials have presented their conditions and proposals to the Americans, leaving the outcome dependent on Washington's willingness to negotiate. Iranian demands remain clear and logical, according to Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, who stated that the ball is now in the US's court. Tehran has been pushing for a resolution through diplomacy, particularly with regards to its nuclear programme and the reopening of key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian government has also been empowered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to engage in talks with the US. Local media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the supreme leader had granted the administration certain authorities over negotiations, marking a shift from previous positions taken by Khamenei. Tehran is keen on resolving the conflict through dialogue, with President Pezeshkian reiterating this commitment. This stance represents a departure from the supreme leader's earlier stance following the breakdown of the June memorandum of understanding, which had allowed for a brief ceasefire and peace negotiations to take place. The US side also appears optimistic about a diplomatic solution, with Vice President JD Vance expressing hope that a negotiated settlement can be reached. Just hours before the strikes on Qeshm Island, Vance noted that progress has been made in talks and that further efforts are being made to achieve a resolution. Iran's response to any perceived provocation from the US would be unpredictable, according to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He warned that Iran will not submit to external pressure or threats, and that the enemy is mistaken in believing otherwise. Ghalibaf's statement comes as tensions between the two countries remain high. The ongoing conflict has already had significant economic implications, with oil prices plummeting by over 7 percent on Monday. The drop in oil prices was seen as a positive development by US President Donald Trump, who took to his Truth Social account to express his optimism about the situation. He wrote that people believe the war with Iran will not resume due to ongoing mediation efforts. Trump's post reflected his earlier comments to media at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, where he said that it seemed like progress was being made towards a resolution. The US president's statements on Iran have been closely watched in recent days, and his latest comments suggest a possible escalation of tensions. According to observers, if diplomatic efforts between the two nations falter, the US is likely to resume strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, including highly fortified sites such as Pickaxe Mountain. This site contains two tunnel complexes buried deep underground, making it a significant target for any potential military action. --- Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/3/us-hits-qeshm-island-pezeshkian-signals-more-diplomacy-iran-war-latest?traffic_source=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/us-forces-launch-attack-on-qeshm-island-in-iran/