US Strikes Iranian Air Defenses as Qatar Mediates Nuclear Talks
Two missiles hit Qeshm Island after President Trump described limited attacks on defensive targets, while diplomats work on a two-day trust-building proposal.
By Luis Medina ·
US military forces hit Iranian air defense systems on Friday. President Donald Trump announced the strikes upon arriving in West Palm Beach, Florida. He described the operation as minor in scale. The targets were specific defensive assets rather than broad strategic sites.
Iranian state media reported that two missiles struck Qeshm Island. The state news agency IRNA said witnesses in the Suza area heard an aircraft before the projectiles hit. Trump stated that US forces destroyed a newly built anti-aircraft device. He gave a timeframe of five to fifteen minutes for the elimination of that specific system.
Washington officials previously assessed that most of Iran's air defense network was damaged or destroyed. This occurred during the June 2025 bombardment by Israel and early phases of the current conflict. The US believes Tehran has been rebuilding these systems. The recent strikes aimed to disrupt that reinforcement effort.
Reports indicate Iran is negotiating with Russia to buy the S-400 air defense system. This medium-range surface-to-air missile battery has performed well in the Ukraine conflict. An Iranian official said the country is optimistic that Vladimir Putin will approve the sale. This follows a meeting the previous week between Mohsen Rezaei and Putin at the Kremlin. Rezaei carried a message from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei demanding weapons supplies.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia claimed on Saturday that the armed forces are stronger than at the start of the war. He said the military gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and Israel. Akraminia noted that this has led to higher alert levels and greater motivation. He emphasized that future responses will be immediate and effective without geographical limitations.
Diplomatic efforts continue alongside the military activity. Two Middle East government officials revealed that Iran is reviewing proposals from Qatar. These proposals aim to resolve differences over Tehran's nuclear program. One official noted that Iran remains hesitant to engage in direct negotiations. This is until the US agrees to core conditions including ending the port blockade, lifting sanctions, and unfreezing assets.
The proposed bridge deal involves a two-day sequence of trust-building measures. On day one, the US would lift the port blockade and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. In exchange, Tehran would allow IAEA inspectors to access sites previously bombed by the US and Israel. On day two, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary modified agreement with Oman.
Following these initial measures, the US and Iran would begin extensive talks on Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The IAEA reports that Iran holds 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. This level is close to the 90 percent threshold required for weapons. Iran maintains its program is for peaceful purposes. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with Qatari counterpart Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss recent developments.
Trump and the Emir of Qatar held a separate call to coordinate de-escalation efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also engaged in phone calls with Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for flexibility from both sides. He spoke with Emirati counterpart Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the importance of political negotiations.
