US Hits Iran Targets on Qeshm Island After Midterm Setback
Trump describes the attacks as minor while CENTCOM calls the situation calm, even as Tehran intercepts a drone and Qatari officials deny that talks have collapsed.
By Nadia Rahman ·
President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that US forces struck Iranian air defense systems on Qeshm Island, a move that followed a loss for his party in Tuesday's midterm elections. The strikes occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, and marked the first military action against Iran since the US vote.
Trump characterized the engagement as limited in scope. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, he stated that US forces knocked out an anti-aircraft device in as little as five minutes. He told reporters, “We do minor strikes,” and noted that the Iranian side had built a small anti-aircraft device that was quickly disabled.
Iranian state media reported two missile strikes in the Suza area of the island. The state broadcaster IRIB also cited an army statement claiming that Iranian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone over the same location. US Central Command, known as CENTCOM, described the situation as relatively calm. A CENTCOM official acknowledged the reports to Al Jazeera but provided no further details.
Diplomatic efforts continue despite the combat actions. Trump said his administration is currently dealing with Tehran and that the Iranians want to make a deal. He claimed they have made a lot of progress in talks, though he offered no specific details. On Saturday, Qatar dismissed reports that negotiations had failed. Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted on X that promoting false claims about failed talks serves only those seeking to prolong the war.
The military posture in the region remains high. Unnamed Pentagon officials and military commanders told The New York Times on Wednesday that thousands of US air and naval forces are positioned on more than a dozen ships and at bases in the Middle East and the US. These forces are poised to resume major combat operations on Trump's orders. On Thursday, Trump suggested the US may need to destroy the rest of Iran, adding that the public would know soon enough if he acts.
CENTCOM also announced late on Friday that it is offering a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran's nuclear program. The bounty covers details on facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, including those in the scientific community. Tehran has increased diplomatic outreach amid suggestions that the US could resume full-scale strikes.
