U.S. forces carried out limited strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday, Nov. 2, and American officials called them defensive, saying they followed Iran’s attack on a U.S. aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz.
Three U.S. officials told CBS News that the strikes targeted the island after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at an American aircraft. Officials said the operation was limited and was not a return to major fighting. ABC News reported that one official linked the response to an Iranian attack on the aircraft.
U.S. officials also cited threats to U.S. military resources from Iranian missiles launched from the ground at aircraft. The precise targets and damage were not immediately clear in public reports. U.S. Central Command did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Iranian state media reported several explosions on Qeshm. Witnesses cited in Al Jazeera’s reporting said they saw aircraft overhead. The island lies near the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for commercial ships.
Officials have described earlier U.S. strikes in the area as limited and not announced publicly. Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Tehran reserved the right to defend itself after the strikes, according to CBS News. The attack came as diplomatic efforts continued.
President Donald Trump had suggested a deal with Iran could be possible. The latest military action showed the risk that tensions could rise again.