US conducts series of ‘defensive strikes’ against Iran

On November 3, 2026, the U.S. military carried out limited defensive strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, just hours before the U.S. midterm elections. The attacks were confirmed by two U.S. officials and reported by Iranian state media after hearing explosions near the island. The U.S. had previously stated it would not launch such operations before the midterms but proceeded with what officials described as defensive actions to secure the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, responded on November 4, stating that a return to war benefits "no one," while emphasizing his government's commitment to resolving crises through dialogue.