Trump confirms new US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island

President Trump claims “a lot of progress” in negotiations with Tehran as he confirms US strikes on Qeshm Island.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, targeting Iranian air defence systems. He stated that Washington has made “a lot of progress” in diplomatic talks with Tehran.

During the operation, Trump said US forces knocked out an anti-aircraft device in roughly 15 minutes. The strikes followed reports of missile activity in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, a strategic chokepoint in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media and the Irib broadcaster reported that the country’s air defense intercepted and destroyed an American MQ-9 drone over the island. In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the situation is relatively calm.

A CENTCOM official told Al Jazeera that they are aware of the reports but have no further comment. The Joint Task Force announced a reward of up to $20 million and potential relocation for information regarding Iran’s nuclear program, including facilities and personnel.

The US military announced these actions amid heightened tensions following the midterm elections. Qatar recently dismissed reports of failing negotiations, warning that such claims aim to prolong the conflict.

Ongoing talks

Trump told reporters that his administration is currently in discussions with Tehran representatives. He emphasized that negotiations are ongoing and that the US is working to make a deal.

“We’re dealing with them now. They want to make a deal,” the US president said. “We’ve made a lot of progress with Iran,” he added without providing specifics.

Friday’s strikes mark the first such action since the Republican Party suffered a major setback in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Trump has since voiced threats to Iran, suggesting that full-scale resolution is near and potential for future operations is on the table.

Unnamed Pentagon officials have prepared a large contingent of air and naval forces—spanning more than a dozen ships and inland bases—to resume major combat operations against Iran upon presidential directives.

Source link