U.S. Launches Secret Strikes on Iran Ahead of Midterm Elections

OilPrice.com · RFE/RL staff · 2026-11-03 15:00 UTC

The United States struck Iran's strategic Qeshm Island on November 2 as President Trump signaled the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough ahead of the midterm elections.

The United States struck Iran's strategic Qeshm Island on November 2, US officials confirmed, in the latest in a series of previously undisclosed military operations against Iran that have continued even as President Donald Trump plays down the prospect of renewed large-scale fighting.

The strikes come just hours before the November 3 US midterm elections and follow a shift in Trump’s public rhetoric.

After weeks of warning that Washington could resume a major military campaign against Tehran after the vote, the president ruled out an immediate attack and pointed to the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough. Asked whether he was considering striking Iran after the midterms, Trump told reporters, "No."

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