Iran issued fresh warnings Wednesday after President Donald Trump confirmed a U.S. strike on an Iranian anti-aircraft facility, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) claimed four oil tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker claims could not be independently verified, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported.
Key Highlights
- Trump told Fox News the U.S. struck an Iranian anti-aircraft facility early Tuesday. He called it a “minor attack.”
- The IRGC says four tankers hit mines and caught fire. That claim is unverified.
- The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately reported a tanker hit by two projectiles. No casualties were reported.
- Indirect talks continue through Qatar, but Iran called the U.S. reply “not convincing.”
What Trump Confirmed
Trump told Fox News the U.S. hit the facility “as soon as it was completed,” according to Al Jazeera. He said the strike “wasn’t war.” Iranian media said the strikes hit Qeshm Island.
U.S. officials told American media the strikes were defensive and followed Iranian fire at a U.S. aircraft, Al Jazeera reported. We could not independently confirm that account.
Iran’s Warnings
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Iran is “ready for battle with its finger on the trigger,” Gulf News reported.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran keeps the right to “legitimate self-defence.” President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran still seeks a resolution “through dialogue.”
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly ordered the military to respond to any threat “without geographical limits,” Al Jazeera reported. Iranian officials also suggested European countries and Gulf undersea cables could be targeted, the outlet said.
The Reported Tanker Attacks
The IRGC said four tankers caught fire after hitting mines near what Iran calls a prohibited passage south of the strait, Gulf News reported, citing Iranian state TV. The ships were not named.
The IRGC also claimed it seized two vessels and shot down two U.S. drones, according to Al Jazeera. None of these claims has been verified.
Separately, UKMTO reported two unidentified projectiles hit a tanker’s engine room about 14 nautical miles northeast of Lima, Oman, Al Jazeera said. No one was hurt. Al Jazeera noted the IRGC claims could not be linked to that incident.
An earlier incident drew independent confirmation. UKMTO confirmed one vessel on fire on Oct. 29, after IRGC mine claims, CBS News reported.
Diplomacy Continues
Iran has proposed reopening the strait within two days if the U.S. meets seven demands, including lifting sanctions and ending a U.S. naval blockade, Al Jazeera reported.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, wrote on X that the U.S. reply “was not convincing.” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, said both sides “remain committed to the negotiation process.”
Trump told the Financial Times, “We seem to be getting everything we want,” according to Al Jazeera.
What Remains Unclear
U.S. media, citing officials, reported that Central Command has plans for strikes that could begin as early as Wednesday, Al Jazeera said. A Wall Street Journal report, relayed by Gulf News, said Trump leaned toward a large attack but had not decided. Israel’s Walla reported no unusual rise in U.S. aircraft arrivals. None of this is confirmed.
Trump said part of the midterm result was about Iran. For more on that vote, see our report on the 2026 midterm elections.
We could not independently verify the IRGC’s claims about four tankers, two seized vessels or drones. UKMTO separately reported a tanker hit by two unknown projectiles near Lima, Oman.
Sources: Al Jazeera / Reuters (Nov. 4); Gulf News (Nov. 4); CBS News (Oct. 29).