U.S. Strikes Iranian Air Defense Amid Escalation

The United States carried out limited strikes on an Iranian air-defense system near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz; President Donald Trump called the action “minor” and said the target was quickly destroyed. Iranian state media reported explosions near Suza, and Iran separately claimed, without independent confirmation in the reports, that it had shot down a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the island. Trump said talks with Tehran were making progress but warned he was weighing further action to prevent Iran’s nuclear program from being revived; he said prior attacks had destroyed most relevant capabilities, ruled out the need for nuclear weapons, and warned that the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain facility could be targeted, though he had not ordered a resumption of major operations. U.S. and Israeli forces had reportedly prepared for renewed strikes, while Tehran warned it would retaliate against U.S. targets without geographic limits if attacked again. Qatar-mediated settlement efforts are continuing, but Iran says it will not negotiate over its nuclear program unless Washington accepts conditions including sanctions relief and lifting its blockade; reported proposals include inspections of sites hit by U.S. and Israeli strikes and a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The attack was the first since Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in midterm elections, amid voter frustration over the war and higher fuel prices.