What we know
What we know: US strikes Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, official says, leaving unclear what comes next
Compiled Nov 3
What we know
- The United States launched strikes on Iranian targets, according to a U.S. official
- Iranian state media reported explosions on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam and near Bandar Abbas
- The strikes were not publicly announced, unlike earlier in the war
- President Trump previously said the U.S. wouldn't launch strikes on Iran before the midterms
- Iran said it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks with the U.S.
- Thousands of U.S. troops remain in waters off Iran maintaining a naval blockade, with a third aircraft carrier and more troops on the way
What we don’t know yet
- The U.S. official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity
- It was not immediately clear what response Qalibaf was referring to
- The two regional officials and third person spoke on condition of anonymity due to discussing classified briefings
Open questions
- What specific Iranian targets were struck and what was the scale of the operation?
- What response is Qalibaf referring to when he says Iran 'delivered a firm and rational response'?
- Will the strikes derail the diplomatic progress mediators have reportedly made?
- How will the midterm elections affect U.S. policy toward Iran going forward?
Drawn from the Associated Press report. “What we don’t know” lists only what the reporting itself flags as unresolved.