US strikes Iranian island of Qeshm after attack on US aircraft

US armed forces struck the Iranian island of Qeshm, located in the Strait of Hormuz. This became known through sources cited by Fox News channel.

Nature of the operation and its causes

According to the publication's sources, the attack was of a defensive nature. It was a direct response to actions by Iranian military forces, which fired upon a US aircraft. Fox News emphasised that this operation does not signal the start of a new wave of escalation or the resumption of regular strikes on Iranian territory.

Iranian agency IRNA reported five explosions on the island. Recently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that its units intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 reconnaissance-strike drone east of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC also reported intercepting two MQM-170 model reconnaissance drones south of Qeshm island.

Strategic significance of the facility

Qeshm island is an important military facility for Iran. Its territory hosts a naval base and a large underground missile complex.

It is worth noting that this is not the first instance of the US striking this island. Previously, US officials had also discussed the possibility of seizing it.