Iran’s IRGC says it shot down two US drones near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

Situation Overview

On 4 November 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its air-defence systems shot down a US MQ-1 drone over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, and also said earlier that a US MQ-9 drone was downed over the strait in the morning. On 4 November, Al Jazeera reported that Iran called the US response to its seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz “unconvincing”, while US President Donald Trump confirmed launching strikes on an Iranian island near the strategic waterway. Anadolu Agency separately reported the IRGC’s claim that two US MQM-170 drones were shot down south of Qeshm Island on 2 November. The cluster also reports that Qatar increased diplomatic efforts to avert a renewed war between the US and Iran, and that another oil tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.

Geopolitical Implications

1. 01

   Competing claims of drone shoot-downs and confirmed US strikes indicate a tightening security spiral around the Strait of Hormuz.

2. 02

   Qatar’s diplomatic push underscores regional efforts to contain escalation despite US-Iran confrontation rhetoric.

Key Signals

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  Any further confirmed US-Iran strike announcements and additional IRGC drone shoot-down claims in the Strait of Hormuz

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  Qatar-mediated steps or meetings aimed at implementing Iran’s seven conditions for reopening the strait

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