The covert strikes targeted southern Iran, with explosions reported in the coastal city of Bandar Lengeh and on Qeshm Island along the vital Strait of Hormuz. These actions formed part of a sequence of limited operations that Washington secretly conducted, based on details from an unnamed U.S. official. The strikes took place even though Donald Trump had previously stated he would not launch attacks on the nation after the midterms. In response to recent threats, Iranian officials have cautioned that any new war could become protracted.
Key points
The recent military operations directly contradict previous statements from Donald Trump…: The recent military operations directly contradict previous statements from Donald Trump regarding post-midterm attacks.
Iran has warned that an outbreak of a new war could last longer following recent strike t…: Iran has warned that an outbreak of a new war could last longer following recent strike threats.
Washington appears to be engaging in targeted, covert military actions within sensitive I…: Washington appears to be engaging in targeted, covert military actions within sensitive Iranian coastal territory.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
This is an entry from: Live: Iran warns new war could last longer after Trump threatens strikes
Report: US launched strikes on Iran
3 November 2026 01:27 GMT
The US military is responsible for strikes on Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal citing an unnamed US official.
The newspaper indicated that the attacks were part of a series of limited operations Washington had "secretly carried out" against the country.
Earlier, several explosions were heard in southern Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz as well as in the coastal city of Bandar Lengeh in Hormozgan province.
The strikes come despite US president Donald Trump's remarks saying he would not launch attacks against Iran after the midterms.
Following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by American forces nearly a year ago, Washington is pushing a three-phase stabilization strategy before the country holds national votes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco to advance this framework, which prioritizes economic recovery and reconciliation. Meanwhile, key political factions remain divided over timeline commitments and the transparency of recent bilateral energy agreements.
American forces launched targeted operations in the Strait of Hormuz to degrade Iranian capabilities threatening commercial maritime vessels. Iranian state media documented rapid detonations along the coastline, noting aircraft activity in the region. Washington intentionally avoided widely promoting the mission to prevent regional assumptions of a broader return to active combat.
Widespread voter frustration over surging living costs and fuel prices following the February war on Iran has severely eroded Republican momentum ahead of Tuesday's pivotal midterm elections. Strong Democratic enthusiasm and deep resistance from independent voters now position Democrats to potentially recapture control of the House of Representatives.