Trump Confirms US Strike on Iranian Air Defense System

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that the U.S. military had attacked a site in Iran, following reports of explosions on Qeshm Island. The island, located in the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, was the target of the strike, which Trump described as "minor." According to the president, the attack was aimed at an air defense system. "They built a small anti-aircraft missile device and we eliminated it in about 15 minutes, maybe five," Trump told reporters in Florida. Earlier, Iran's military announced it had shot down a U.S. drone over the island, according to state media. This marks the first U.S. attack inside Iran since the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to end the war. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose country is mediating negotiations, stated in an Al Jazeera interview that the "Iran issue is not resolved, and we cannot afford another round of escalation." He added that mediation efforts are ongoing to prevent the regional situation from spiraling out of control and that the U.S. administration is open to a diplomatic solution, expressing belief that an agreement can be reached. Iran has outlined preconditions for nuclear program discussions, including the end of the U.S. blockade on its ports, the lifting of sanctions, the unfreezing of assets, compensation for war damages, and an end to regional hostilities, including Israeli actions in Lebanon.

Concurrently, the U.S. is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear program, including facilities, equipment, and personnel, with a focus on nuclear scientists. The offer, published on the X account of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), also includes the possibility of immigration for those providing information.