U.S. strikes Iranian air defense system in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military struck an Iranian air defense system on Friday, marking the first direct attack since the Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections. President Donald Trump described the operation as minor, stating that U.S. forces neutralized a newly constructed anti-aircraft device in approximately 15 minutes. Iranian state media reported hearing two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, a location within the Strait of Hormuz that handles a large volume of global oil shipments.

U.S. officials previously assessed that most of Iran’s air defense networks were destroyed or severely degraded during a June 2025 bombardment by Israel and in the early phases of the current conflict. They expected Tehran to attempt rebuilding these systems over time. The Friday strikes followed defensive actions reported by the U.S. military on Monday, which included explosions on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam and in the mainland area of Bandar Abbas.

The renewed military pressure coincides with diplomatic efforts led by Qatar. Two Middle East government officials said on Friday that Iranian officials are reviewing proposals from Qatari mediators aimed at resolving differences over Tehran’s nuclear program. One official noted that Iran remains unwilling to begin negotiations with the Trump administration until the United States agrees to specific core conditions for a ceasefire.

The Qatari proposal outlines a bridge deal designed to build trust between the two sides. The first phase involves a two-day period where the U.S. lifts its blockade of Iranian ports and releases a portion of the billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. In exchange, Tehran would allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to access sites that were bombed by the U.S. and Israel. The second phase involves Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary agreement modeled on a deal previously reached between Iran and Oman.

Following these initial steps, the U.S. and Iran would begin extensive talks regarding Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran currently holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. This level is a technical step away from the 90% purity required for weapons-grade material. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Tehran has listed several demands that must be met before it will engage in nuclear talks. These include ending the U.S. port blockade, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, providing compensation for war damage, and halting hostilities throughout the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. President Trump has previously declined several of these concessions but told reporters on Friday that discussions with Iran are ongoing.

U.S. Central Command announced late Friday that the United States is offering a reward of up to $20 million, along with possible relocation, for information on Iran’s nuclear program. The reward covers details regarding facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, including those in the scientific community. The announcement included a link to the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program.

Diplomatic activity has increased in recent days among leaders in the Persian Gulf. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke by phone on Friday with Qatari Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. This call followed a separate conversation between President Trump and the Emir of Qatar, who discussed efforts to deescalate tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held phone calls with his counterparts in Iraq and Tunisia on Friday.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who has spoken with Araghchi twice this week, stated that both sides must demonstrate flexibility to reach compromise solutions. He emphasized the need for political negotiations to prevent a new wave of escalation in the region. Abdelatty also spoke with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to stress the importance of diplomatic channels over military confrontation.