President Donald Trump authorized defensive strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on November 2, 2026, just one day before the midterm elections, a US official confirmed. Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island, and the official stated that Iranian surface-to-air missiles targeting US assets were engaged.
These strikes, appearing limited rather than a full escalation, come amid an acknowledgment by The Wall Street Journal that the US has been conducting similar strikes covertly for the past few weeks. Trump had previously stated that the US would not launch strikes on Iran before the midterms, remarking on November 2 that "We had a war with Iran. We won... I don't know if you even call it a war because we haven't been doing any fighting for months."
Officials told The Wall Street Journal that the strikes were intended to prevent Iran from attacking allied ships in the Strait of Hormuz. One official indicated that the US has been avoiding public announcements of attacks to signal a lack of intent to restart large-scale operations. The White House, CENTCOM, and the Pentagon have been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.
The ongoing conflict with Iran and its economic impacts, including on US gasoline prices, have been a political vulnerability for Republicans seeking to maintain control of Congress. Although the administration's last known attacks occurred in early September, thousands of US troops remain in waters off Iran to enforce a naval blockade aimed at preventing oil tankers from reaching the global market. Furthermore, a third aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are being deployed to the Middle East.
Earlier on November 2, Vice President JD Vance expressed measured optimism about a potential deal to avert new strikes after the midterms. Vance had sent a letter to Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, the previous week, though the White House has shared few details. Trump described the letter as focusing on providing Iran with "medical supplies and various things." Vance, however, suggested a potential negotiated settlement, stating he and the president "feel pretty good about the prospects" and will "keep on working at it."
These backchannel efforts occur as Israel and some Middle East allies reportedly lobby Trump regarding the ongoing 8-month war. Iran is seeking guarantees for its side of any potential agreement. The US and Israel have previously targeted Iran during negotiations over its nuclear program. Iranian officials have publicly stated readiness for either war or diplomacy. The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly met with Iran's military chiefs and called for an immediate and "without geographic limits" response to any threat from the US or Israel, urging an expansion of potential targets.