US strikes Iran's strategic Qeshm Island in self-defense

The United States conducted a strike on targets on Iran's strategic Qeshm Island on November 2, described as a self-defense action within a series of covert operations, according to the Wall Street Journal. The strike, confirmed by unnamed US officials, was part of limited-scale attacks aimed at preventing Iran from freely targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest the US targeted Iranian air defense missile complexes on the island in response to previous downings of US drones. Iran's IRNA news agency reported explosions on Qeshm but did not confirm the cause. The US has not officially acknowledged the operation, with Washington reportedly keeping the campaign quiet to avoid signaling a return to large-scale military action. President Donald Trump stated the US has not been engaged in combat with Iran for months.