Iran targeted in limited US military strikes on air defense site, Trump confirms

The United States launched fresh, targeted strikes against Iranian military equipment on Friday, President Donald Trump announced. Trump characterized the military action as "minor," stating that American forces successfully destroyed an air defense installation in a brief operation.

Iranian state media confirmed that two blasts were heard in the Suza region of Qeshm Island. The island sits directly within the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international corridor for maritime oil transport that has experienced severe disruptions since American military operations against Iran began in February.

Trump told journalists that Iranian forces had established an anti-aircraft installation, which US forces eliminated in a matter of minutes. The action follows earlier strikes conducted on Monday, which the US military labeled defensive maneuvers after blasts were reported around Qeshm, Hengam island, and the mainland port city of Bandar Abbas.

Friday's strikes mark the first known US military operation against Iran since Tuesday's midterm elections, in which the Republican Party suffered major losses. Public discontent over the administration's handling of the conflict and the resulting surge in global fuel prices contributed heavily to the election outcome. Following the vote, the president has alternated between issuing warnings of total destruction and hinting that a negotiated conclusion to the conflict may be approaching.

Disagreements surrounding Iran's nuclear activities continue to represent the primary obstacle to any diplomatic settlement. Trump has maintained that Tehran's nuclear program must be addressed as part of any agreement to cease hostilities.

Highlighting that focus, US Central Command announced late Friday that the government is offering financial rewards of up to $20 million through the State Department's Rewards for Justice initiative. The bounty seeks intelligence regarding Iranian nuclear infrastructure, materials, and key personnel, including scientists, alongside potential relocation assistance for informants.

Despite the ongoing strikes, diplomatic communication has continued. Trump confirmed to reporters that indirect negotiations involving intermediaries are active, stating that discussions with Iranian representatives have been ongoing.

Regional leaders have engaged in intensified diplomacy to prevent further escalation. Qatar has played a prominent role as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday to review regional developments. That discussion followed a separate conversation between Trump and Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, which centered on broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.