Trump says US carried out another round of 'minor' strikes on Iran
US President Donald Trump said the American military struck an Iranian air defence system on Friday, calling the action 'minor'. Washington also offered up to $20m for information on Iran's nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump has said the American military carried out a new round of limited strikes on Iran on Friday, 7 November, targeting an air defence system. He described the action as "minor". The strikes took place in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipments that has been disrupted since the US war on Iran began in February.
Iranian state media reported the sound of two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island. Speaking to reporters, Trump said the Iranians had built a small anti-aircraft device that US forces knocked out in about 15 minutes, "maybe five".
The US military had earlier reported carrying out what it called "defensive" strikes on Monday, when explosions were heard on Qeshm and Hengam islands and in the nearby mainland area of Bandar Abbas.
Political backdrop
Friday's strikes are the first since Tuesday's US midterm elections, in which Trump's Republican party suffered a stunning repudiation. The setback was fuelled partly by voter dissatisfaction with the handling of the war and by elevated fuel prices, which have affected nearly every part of the global economy. Since the vote, Trump has alternated between threatening to "destroy" Iran and suggesting that a resolution is near.
Nuclear programme and diplomacy
Iran's nuclear programme remains the thorniest issue, and Trump insists it must be settled as part of any deal ending the war. US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, announced on X that it was offering up to $20m and possible relocation for information about Iran's nuclear programme, including facilities, equipment and personnel.
Trump confirmed that mediators' discussions with Iran continue. According to the Qatari government, US defense secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar is mediating between Washington and Tehran. Trump also held a call with Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, on international efforts to de-escalate tensions.
