The United States, just hours before midterms, conducted defensive strikes on some Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said. Multiple
explosions were heard on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, with state media reporting that residents also spotted two aircraft flying over the area. The incident comes as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have shot down three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that five explosions occurred in quick succession on Qeshm Island. Their intensity suggested possible impacts on the island itself, although local and provincial authorities had not issued an official statement. Some residents reportedly saw two aircraft flying overhead.
IRGC Claims Three US Drones Downed
Separately, the IRGC said its forces destroyed a US MQ-9 drone east of the Strait of Hormuz. It described the aircraft as the 55th drone of its type destroyed by Iranian forces.
In another statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, the IRGC claimed that two US MQM-170 reconnaissance drones were brought down south of Qeshm Island. It said the aircraft had been captured, taking the total number of US drones of this type seized by Iranian forces to four.
There was no immediate confirmation from the US military regarding the reported drone losses.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump again suggested that a deal with Iran could be possible amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. In a post on Truth Social, he said oil prices were falling sharply because people believed there would not be a war with Iran.
"Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible. It could happen!" Trump wrote.
