By — Michelle L. Price, Associated Press Michelle L. Price, Associated Press By — Samy Magdy, Associated Press Samy Magdy, Associated Press By — Elena Becatoros, Associated Press Elena Becatoros, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-strikes-strait-of-hormuz-hours-before-tuesday-midterms Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter U.S. strikes Strait of Hormuz hours before Tuesday midterms World Nov 3, 2026 8:15 PM EST What appeared to be a limited strike by the United States on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz hours before Tuesday's midterm U.S. elections is raising questions about what's coming next. For weeks now, U.S. President Donald Trump has said he was considering launching a new wave of strikes on Iran after the elections. Just days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Trump for renewed military action, according to two regional officials and a third person familiar with the matter. The Middle East and beyond have been on edge about the prospects of the U.S. resuming full-scale operations against Iran for the first time in almost two months. READ MORE: Iran…
U.S. strikes Strait of Hormuz hours before Tuesday midterms
In short
The limited military engagement hit missile sites near Bandar Abbas and on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam where forces were preparing surface-to-air weapons against U.S. troops. Thousands of American service members currently enforce a naval blockade designed to halt Tehran's oil exports, while additional deployments flow into the theater. Although Israeli leaders have urged further strikes, other regional partners are pressing Washington to de-escalate rather than expand the conflict.
Key points
- Tehran insists the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the United States lifts its na…: Tehran insists the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives oil sanctions, and implements a ceasefire including Lebanon.
- Ongoing enforcement of the naval blockade by thousands of American troops continues to ca…: Ongoing enforcement of the naval blockade by thousands of American troops continues to cause significant turmoil across the global economy.
- Negotiators report diplomatic progress toward resolving the maritime standoff despite Teh…: Negotiators report diplomatic progress toward resolving the maritime standoff despite Tehran labeling the initial American response unconvincing.