US Bombs Qeshm With 2 Projectiles as 11 Ships Are Hit in Strait of Hormuz
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Nov 7
US Bombs Qeshm With 2 Projectiles as 11 Ships Are Hit in Strait of Hormuz
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Nov 7
Summary
Two projectiles struck Iran’s Qeshm island on Friday night, extending recent US attacks on air defences and launchers after vessels came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
At least 11 ships were attacked in and around the strait in the week to Nov. 6, UKMTO said, with three sinking and traffic running about 65% below pre-conflict levels.
Iran said it downed a US-made MQ-9 drone with a new system, while the IRGC separately claimed it intercepted an MQ-1 and warned tankers on “unauthorised” routes also risk naval mines.
Hossein Mohebbi, an IRGC spokesman, said Iran has lifted its self-imposed 2,000-km missile-range limit and could unveil new underground missile facilities if major attacks resume.
Abbas Araghchi said he spoke with 12 foreign ministers in 48 hours as mediators pressed for de-escalation, but analysts warned post-midterm US politics may tilt the war-talks pendulum further toward conflict.
Why is Washington suddenly offering $20 million for nuclear intel if recent military strikes are successfully degrading Iranian defenses?
Is the ongoing military pressure actually backfiring by pushing Tehran toward more unpredictable proxy violence and rapid nuclear acceleration?
With millions of oil barrels stuck and tankers burning, could these localized strikes trigger a catastrophic shutdown of global energy arteries?
$20 Billion at the Strait: The 2026 US-Iran Qeshm Island Strikes, Nuclear Intelligence Bounty, and Global Energy Crisis
Overview
In November 2026, U.S. strikes on Iranian air defenses on Qeshm Island triggered a rapid escalation in the Persian Gulf. Iran responded by deploying sea mines, leading to tanker explosions and a selective blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted global oil supplies and caused price swings. The crisis fueled public anger over rising fuel costs in the U.S., contributing to a Democratic sweep in the midterm elections. Meanwhile, skepticism over the legal basis for the strikes led key allies to restrict U.S. military operations. Amid these tensions, Qatari mediators worked urgently to broker a de-escalation deal between Washington and Tehran.