Symbolic imageUS strikes Qeshm and widens Iran blockade as Qatar mediates
The US hit Iranian air defences on Qeshm island and launched a task force against Iran's land trade routes. Qatar says its mediation is making progress.
President Trump said on Friday, 6 November, that US forces made "minor strikes" and knocked out an Iranian anti-aircraft device "in about 15 minutes, maybe five", the first US strikes since Tuesday's midterms. Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm, Hengam and near Bandar Abbas, and Tasnim said two missiles hit Qeshm. Iran says it would answer new attacks by striking US and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries.
Blockade extends to land routes
On Saturday CENTCOM announced Task Force Iron Gate, based in Tampa with about 20 staff, to restrict Iranian arms and sanctioned goods crossing land borders and the Caspian Sea. It also said it disabled the vessel M/V Huda in the Gulf of Oman after it left an Iranian port and tried to bypass the naval blockade.
Qatar mediates, mines in Hormuz
Qatar's prime minister said "significant progress" has been made and he is confident of a settlement. Arab News cites a diplomat saying Tehran is willing to discuss nuclear issues that were previously off the table. Iranian state television reported that the Revolutionary Guard Navy says two oil tankers hit mines near Hormuz.