US carries out targeted strikes on Iran's air defence system

The United States carried out new limited targeted strikes on Friday, hitting Iran's air defence system. President Donald Trump confirmed the military action. Speaking with reporters after arriving at West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described the attacks as "minor". He stated that Iran had built a small anti-aircraft device, which the US military destroyed in just 15 minutes or perhaps 5 minutes.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Iranian state media noted that sounds of two explosions were heard in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, located on a critical waterway for oil shipments. President Trump did not provide further details regarding the targets, but US officials had previously stated that most of Iran's air defence systems were either destroyed or severely damaged during the bombings carried out by Israel in June 2025 and in the early stages of the current conflict. According to US officials' assessment, Iran will attempt to rebuild these systems and other military infrastructure over time.

Additionally, the US military stated that defensive strikes were also carried out on Monday. Explosions were heard on Qeshm and Hengam islands in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, as well as in the mainland port area of Bandar Abbas. These are the first attacks following the surprising defeat of Trump's Republican Party in Tuesday's midterm elections, where the Republican Party lost both houses of Congress. Dissatisfaction among voters regarding Trump's management of the conflict and the rise in fuel prices due to the war, which has affected almost every sector of the global economy, were the primary reasons for this electoral defeat.

In the days following the election defeat, a shift in Trump's demeanor was observed. On one hand, he was threatening to "destroy" Iran, while on the other, he suggested that a resolution to the war was near. Early Friday morning, two government officials from the Middle East stated that Iran is reviewing proposals presented by the primary mediator, Qatar, to resolve differences with the US regarding its nuclear programme.

However, one official emphasised that Iran is currently not ready to negotiate nuclear activities with the Trump administration. Iran demands that the US accept some of its key conditions as part of any ceasefire agreement. The differences over the nuclear programme remain the most complex issue, and Trump insists that a resolution to this matter is inevitable in any deal to end the war, which has been ongoing for over 8 months. Both officials provided this information on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly on these sensitive negotiations.

Meanwhile, US Central Command, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, announced via a post on X late Friday night that the US is offering a reward of up to ₹2 crore (20 million dollars) and potential relocation for information regarding Iran's nuclear programme. This information includes details about nuclear facilities, equipment, and related personnel, including the scientific community or their movements. The post also included a link to the State Department's 'Rewards for Justice' programme.

The White House has not commented on Qatar's proposals, but Trump told reporters on Friday that discussions with Iran via mediators are ongoing. He said, "We are talking to Iran. We always have." Trump claims that the US military still maintains control over this conflict and that Iran has been weakened. Nevertheless, Tehran is demanding certain concessions from the US before starting nuclear negotiations, which Trump has rejected in the past.