US air strikes hit Qeshm island as diplomatic talks seek to curb Iran-US tensions

The United States carried out air strikes that hit Iran’s Qeshm island on Friday night, part of a series of attacks on Iranian air-defence sites and launchers reported in recent weeks. President Donald Trump described the operations as “minor strikes” as concerns grew over a possible escalation between the two countries.

Iran’s army said it destroyed a US-made MQ-9 drone with a newly deployed system, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have intercepted an MQ-1 aircraft, the 16th of that model reported destroyed since hostilities resumed.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, at least 11 ships were attacked around the Strait of Hormuz during the week ending 6 November, with three vessels sinking. The agency recorded 88 projectile strikes since early July, noting that many incidents likely remain unreported. Traffic through the strait has fallen sharply, with outbound and inbound transits down about 65 percent from pre-conflict levels.

Iranian forces warned that tankers and commercial vessels using “unauthorised” routes risk hitting naval mines; a tanker that had its transponder turned off reportedly caught fire after striking a mine, although Washington says its mines have been cleared.

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi announced that the previous 2,000-kilometre range limit on Iranian ballistic missiles has been lifted, following a directive from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for an unrestricted response to any future threats from the United States or Israel. Mohebbi said the IRGC is preparing “surprising defence achievements” and plans to unveil an underground “missile city” and display combat systems for public inspection.

On state television, analysts warned that Iranian forces are ready to target strategic Israeli infrastructure if water, electricity or natural gas supplies are cut.

Diplomatic activity has increased, with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi reporting talks with 12 foreign ministers, including representatives from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing regional security arrangements free of “superregional” interference. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei also conveyed Tehran’s positions to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Political analysts described the situation as a “pendulum swing between war and negotiations,” noting that recent US midterm election results could affect the dynamics of the conflict. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute warned that short-term war risk may rise unless negotiations produce a breakthrough, citing fuel-price pressures, upcoming US congressional changes, and President Trump’s expressed desire for retaliation.