US bombs Iranian air defenses after midterm losses
President Trump described the attacks as minor while claiming negotiations with Tehran are making progress.
By Austin Reed ·
US President Donald Trump confirmed military strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island on Friday, framing the action as a limited response while simultaneously claiming that diplomatic talks with Tehran are advancing. The strikes occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments, and represented the first major US military action since the Republican Party suffered losses in the midterm elections held on Tuesday.
Trump characterized the attacks as minor interventions against Iranian air defense systems. Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, he stated, “We do minor strikes. They knocked out, they built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device, and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five.” Iranian state media reported two missile strikes in the Suza area of the island. The Iranian broadcaster IRIB also cited an army statement saying that air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island.
US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, described the situation as relatively calm. A CENTCOM official told Al Jazeera that the command was aware of the reports but had no further comment. Late on Friday, CENTCOM announced a reward of up to $20 million and possible relocation for information regarding Iran’s nuclear program, including details on facilities, equipment, and personnel in the scientific community.
The timing of the strikes has raised questions about the administration’s strategy following the midterm election results. Trump blamed the election outcomes on the war with Iran. Since Tuesday, he has oscillated between threatening to destroy the rest of Iran and suggesting a resolution is near. On Thursday, he stated that people will know soon enough if the US acts. Unnamed Pentagon officials told The New York Times on Wednesday that thousands of US air and naval forces on more than a dozen ships are poised to resume major combat operations on Trump’s orders.
Diplomatic channels remain active despite the military exchange. Trump told reporters multiple times on Friday that his administration is dealing with Tehran and that they want to make a deal. He added, “We’ve made a lot of progress with Iran,” without providing specific details on the negotiations. Tehran has stepped up diplomatic efforts amid suggestions that the US could resume full-scale strikes.
Qatar, which has acted as an intermediary, moved to clarify the status of the talks. On Saturday, Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed reports that negotiations had failed. He warned in a post on X that promoting such false claims serves only those seeking to prolong the war and destabilize the region.
The next phase of engagement is not yet formally scheduled, but the US has indicated a readiness to escalate if diplomatic progress stalls. The $20 million reward offer remains open for information on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
