Trump confirms new US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island
US President Donald Trump has confirmed new military strikes against Iranian air defense systems on Qeshm Island, claiming Washington has made 'a lot of progress' in negotiations with Tehran.
Trump told reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, that US forces had carried out what he described as minor strikes against Iranian air defense systems. 'We do minor strikes,' Trump said. 'They knocked out – they built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device, and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five.'
Iran's Response
Iranian state media reported two missile strikes in the Suza area of Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil shipments. The Iranian army claimed its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed an American MQ-9 drone over the island.
The situation is relatively calm.
Diplomatic Developments
Trump claimed his administration is in talks with Tehran, saying 'We're dealing with them now. They want to make a deal.' However, Qatar dismissed reports claiming negotiations between the US and Iran have failed, warning that such claims benefit 'only those seeking to prolong the war.'
CENTCOM announced a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran's nuclear program, including its facilities, equipment, and associated personnel.
Election Impact
Friday's strikes mark the first since Trump's Republican Party suffered losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, which Trump blamed on the Iran war. Since then, Trump has shifted between threatening Iran and suggesting a resolution is near.
Unnamed Pentagon officials told The New York Times that thousands of US forces are poised to resume major combat operations against Iran on Trump's orders, while Tehran has stepped up diplomatic efforts amid these threats.
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