US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a new attack was carried out on Iran’s strategically significant Qeshm Island.
On Friday, he stated that US forces conducted a limited strike against Iranian air defense systems on the island. At the same time, he claimed that there has been “a lot of progress” in discussions with Tehran.
Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said, “We carried out a small-scale strike. They had set up a small air defense system. We destroyed it in about 15 minutes—maybe even five minutes.”
Trump’s remarks followed reports that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Iranian state media reported that two missiles had hit the Suza area of the island. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy shipping route, through which vast quantities of oil are transported.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, released a statement from the country’s military, claiming that Iranian air defense forces had detected, intercepted, and destroyed a US MQ-9 drone in the skies over Qeshm Island.
Following reports of explosions on the island, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM)—which oversees US military operations in the Middle East—stated that the situation around Qeshm Island was “relatively calm.” A CENTCOM official told Al Jazeera that they were aware of the reports regarding the explosions but declined to provide further comment.
In a post on the social media platform X on Friday night, CENTCOM further announced a reward of up to $20 million for information regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The offer may also include the relocation of the informant. The US is seeking information concerning nuclear facilities, equipment, and the individuals involved, as well as details regarding the potential relocation of any of these assets—including information about scientists and other relevant personnel.
Previously, on Monday, Iranian media had reported multiple explosions on Qeshm Island. On the same day, U.S. media outlets reported that, according to American officials, the U.S. military had carried out a “defensive strike” in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claims talks with Iran are underway
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump asserted multiple times that his administration is engaged in discussions with representatives from Tehran. “We are talking to them now,” he said. “They want to reach a deal.”
According to Trump, significant progress has been made in the talks with Iran, though he did not provide specific details regarding the nature of this progress.
Meanwhile, Qatar has dismissed reports suggesting that the talks between the U.S. and Iran have failed. On Saturday, Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a post on the social media platform X that such reports are baseless. He added that such claims only serve those who wish to prolong the conflict and destabilize the region.
News of the strike on Iran emerged on Friday, shortly after Trump’s Republican Party suffered a major setback in the U.S. midterm elections held on Tuesday. Trump had previously blamed the conflict with Iran for the election results.
Since the midterm elections, there has been a noticeable shift in Trump’s rhetoric regarding Iran; at times, he threatens Tehran with new attacks, while at other times, he suggests that an end to the conflict may be near. On Thursday, he remarked that the U.S. might have to “destroy” the remainder of Iran, adding that a decision on this would be revealed “very soon.”
Earlier, on Wednesday, unnamed Pentagon officials and military commanders told The New York Times that U.S. forces are prepared to launch a major military operation against Iran. According to them, thousands of U.S. troops—including Air Force and Navy personnel—are stationed across the Middle East and at various U.S. bases, supported by over a dozen warships. They are ready to initiate a large-scale military operation the moment President Trump issues the order.
Following indications from Trump regarding the potential for a full-scale attack on Iran, Tehran has also intensified its diplomatic efforts.
