WASHINGTON, Nov 7: The United States military carried out fresh limited strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting an Iranian air defence system, even as diplomatic efforts continued to find a way to end the more than eight-month-long conflict.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the military action, describing it as a “minor” operation. Speaking to reporters after arriving in West Palm Beach, Florida, he said American forces had destroyed an Iranian anti-aircraft system within minutes of its deployment.
Iranian state media reported hearing two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, located near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major global route for oil shipments.
The latest strikes came after the US military reported carrying out defensive operations on Monday, when explosions were heard on Qeshm and Hengam islands, as well as near Bandar Abbas.
The Friday operation marked the first fresh US strikes since Trump’s Republican Party suffered a major setback in the US midterm elections. The election results were partly influenced by public dissatisfaction over the handling of the Iran conflict and rising fuel prices, which have affected the global economy.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions are continuing. Two Middle Eastern government officials said Iran was reviewing proposals presented by Qatar, the chief mediator, to address differences between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, Iran has reportedly made it clear that it is not ready to resume nuclear negotiations unless the United States agrees to several key conditions as part of a ceasefire arrangement.
These demands reportedly include ending the US blockade of Iranian ports, lifting economic sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, providing compensation for war-related damage and ending hostilities across the region, including Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Trump, meanwhile, said discussions with Iran were ongoing and maintained that the United States remained in control of the conflict.
In another development, US Central Command announced a reward of up to $20 million, along with possible relocation, for information related to Iran’s nuclear programme. The offer covers information about nuclear facilities, equipment, personnel and the movement of related materials.
According to regional officials, Qatari mediators have also proposed a temporary two-day confidence-building arrangement to pave the way for broader negotiations.
Under the proposed arrangement, the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and release some of Iran’s frozen financial assets. In return, Tehran would allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors access to nuclear sites previously targeted by US and Israeli strikes.
On the second day, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a modified arrangement reportedly agreed upon with Oman. This mechanism would remain temporary until a permanent agreement involving other Gulf countries is reached.
Following these initial steps, Washington and Tehran would begin comprehensive negotiations over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and other aspects of its nuclear programme.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. However, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the country possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, a level that is technically close to weapons-grade enrichment of 90 per cent.
Meanwhile, diplomatic contacts have intensified across the Middle East to prevent further escalation.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday to discuss the latest developments. Qatar also confirmed a separate conversation between Trump and the country’s Emir regarding efforts to ease regional tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held discussions with his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts. During his conversation with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi reportedly outlined Tehran’s position on restarting negotiations with Washington.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged both sides to demonstrate flexibility and pursue compromise solutions to prevent the region from entering another phase of military escalation.
He also discussed the situation with his Emirati counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stressing the importance of political negotiations to avoid another confrontation that could result in further violence and destruction.
With military operations continuing alongside diplomatic efforts, the coming days could prove crucial in determining whether Washington and Tehran move towards a ceasefire agreement or witness another escalation in the conflict.
