President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday, November 6, that US forces carried out limited strikes against an Iranian air-defence system on Qeshm Island, in the Strait of Hormuz — the first such action since this week’s midterm elections.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described the operation as “minor,” saying American forces destroyed a recently built anti-aircraft device “in about 15 minutes, maybe five.”
Iranian state media reported two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island. Semi-official Iranian outlets reported no casualties. The island sits in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which a large share of the world’s seaborne oil passes.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB carried an army statement saying Iranian air defences intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island. That claim has not been independently confirmed, and US Central Command described the situation as “relatively calm.”
The strike follows US “defensive strikes” on Monday near Qeshm and Hengam islands and the mainland port of Bandar Abbas. US officials have said most of Iran’s air-defence network was destroyed or badly degraded during a June 2025 bombardment by Israel and in the early stages of the current conflict.
Late on Friday, US Central Command announced that the United States is offering a reward of up to $20 million, along with possible relocation, for information about Iran’s nuclear programme — its facilities, equipment and associated personnel. Washington also issued a security alert for Americans across the Middle East, warning of possible attacks, airspace closures and flight disruptions.
Trump said Washington is “doing very well” with Iran and claimed progress in talks. Qatar has been mediating between the two sides, and Tehran is reported to be weighing proposals on its nuclear programme while setting conditions before resuming negotiations.
The strikes are the first since Tuesday’s midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The situation remains fluid, and details — including the extent of any damage — have not been independently verified.
Sources: Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Gulf News, Business Standard.
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