US Strikes on Qeshm and Hormuz as Diplomats Seek to Avert Iran Conflict

The United States has bombed Iran after vessels were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, as mediators try to prevent large-scale fighting between the two countries. Two projectiles hit Iran's Qeshm island on Friday night, the latest in a series of air strikes. Iran's army said it destroyed a US-made MQ-9 drone, while at least 11 ships were attacked in the waterway over the week ending November 6, with three sinking. The IRGC says missile range limits have been lifted, and commanders warn of unrestrained responses to future threats. Diplomatic efforts have picked up, with Iran's foreign minister holding talks with 12 counterparts, but analysts say the situation resembles a "pendulum swing between war and talks" leaning towards conflict. Trump's midterm defeat may further complicate the picture.