U.S. Conducted Limited Strikes on Iran's Air Defenses

President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. military conducted limited strikes on Iran's air defense systems on Friday. The president described the action as 'minor,' claiming it took about 15 minutes to knock out a little bit of an anti-aircraft device.

Iranian state media reported hearing two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, a location critical for oil shipments. The U.S. military also reported carrying out defensive strikes on Monday, with explosions heard on Qeshm, Hengam, and Bandar Abbas.

The strikes mark the first military action since the midterm elections, where Trump's Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress. Voter dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the Iran conflict and rising fuel prices, influenced by the war, contributed to the electoral setback.

In the days following the election, Trump has alternated between threatening to 'destroy' Iran and suggesting a resolution to the conflict is near. Meanwhile, Qatar presented new proposals to Iranian officials aimed at addressing differences with the United States about Tehran’s nuclear program, though Iran has not yet agreed to negotiate with the Trump administration.

U.S. Central Command announced a reward of up to $20 million for information on Iran’s nuclear program, including its facilities and personnel. Iran, however, insists on several concessions from the U.S. before engaging in nuclear talks, including ending sanctions and releasing frozen assets.

Regional officials reported that Qatar and Iran discussed a potential 'bridge deal' to facilitate nuclear talks. The proposal included temporary measures like lifting the U.S. blockade and releasing frozen funds in exchange for allowing IAEA inspections of sites bombed by the U.S. and Israel.