Symbolic imageUS strikes Iran's Qeshm Island as Qatar-mediated talks stall
The US struck Qeshm Island on Monday, calling the raids limited and defensive. Qatar says both sides are reviewing proposals, but Tehran rejects what it calls excessive US demands.
US forces struck Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, 2 November, the eve of the US midterms. US officials told the Wall Street Journal and The Jerusalem Post the strikes hit surface-to-air missile launchers after Revolutionary Guards fired at a US aircraft, and did not resume major combat. The Guards say they shot down US drones, including an MQ-9 over the strait. According to FAZ, Tehran left the strikes largely unanswered, although President Donald Trump had pledged no attacks before the vote.
Talks far from a deal
Qatar said on Tuesday that both sides are reviewing proposals and have agreed to avoid escalation. A senior Iranian official told Reuters a deal is distant and Tehran rejects "excessive" demands. Security council secretary Mohsen Rezaei called the US reply unconvincing, and two regional sources told The Jerusalem Post the talks are stuck.
Threats and buildup
Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran's military strategy has no geographic limits, and the daily Hamshari speculated about US bases in Europe, FAZ reports. The Guards' navy says three tankers hit mines in the strait on Tuesday. US officials told the New York Times that CENTCOM has strike plans ready as early as Wednesday, while Trump told Axios he is in no hurry.