US Launches Strikes on Iran After Missile Attack on Navy Jet and Downed Drone Near Strait of Hormuz

The United States carried out what President Trump called "minor strikes" on Iran after Iranian forces fired surface-to-air missiles at a U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet over the Strait of Hormuz and shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone over Qeshm Island. The U.S. responded by launching two missiles targeting the same Iranian air-defense launcher responsible for both engagements. Iranian state agencies IRNA and Tasnim confirmed two explosions in the coastal Suza district of southern Qeshm Island, though it remained unclear whether the launcher was destroyed. Tehran warned of a possible response, either overt or covert.

The U.S. issued urgent security alerts to its diplomatic missions across the Middle East, covering Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, warning Americans of possible airspace closures, flight disruptions and a rapid escalation in hostilities. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem urged Americans to locate nearby shelters and download Israel's Home Front Command app. The alerts were accompanied by intelligence warnings of Iranian plots targeting senior U.S. government officials in the region.

Trump's advisers are divided on next steps. Administration and defense officials have reportedly told Trump he has a narrow window of roughly eight weeks to act before a newly elected Democratic Congress takes office in January. Vice President JD Vance and Gulf allies are counseling Trump to end the conflict, while other advisers are pressing for renewed attacks. For now, Trump said he is letting diplomatic efforts continue: "We're talking to them," he told reporters Friday. Qatar's prime minister confirmed his country's mediation between Washington and Tehran is ongoing, noting slow but real progress over recent weeks, with talks continuing even after the midterms. Trump separately claimed Iran's nuclear program was "obliterated" while his administration is offering $20 million in an apparent related diplomatic measure.

Trump's political position has weakened sharply following the Republicans' midterm defeat, which handed Democrats control of Congress. Oil prices fell on signs that the electoral outcome could reduce Middle East conflict risks, though analysts warned a supply glut could follow. Stephen Miller is replacing Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, a move Trump allies say signals a maximalist approach to executive power ahead of divided government. Miller's allies have indicated he views the Iran war as a political disaster and wants Trump to refocus on policies popular with the MAGA base.