Trump confirms US strikes on Iran, says 'minor attack' targeted newly built anti-aircraft facility

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out strikes on Iran, saying a newly built anti-aircraft facility was hit in an overnight operation near the Strait of Hormuz. The admission came amid reports of explosions on Qeshm island, as diplomatic efforts to prevent a renewed escalation between Washington and Tehran continued. "They built an anti-aircraft facility... As soon as it was completed, we hit it last night very nicely," Trump said during a telephone interview with Fox News' Fox & Friends. He described the operation as a "minor attack". Reports by The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The New York Times and other media outlets said the strikes targeted Qeshm island, a strategically important location in the Strait of Hormuz.

Unnamed US officials cited in the reports described the operation as defensive in nature. The Wall Street Journal said it was the latest in a series of strikes that had not been publicly announced. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported five explosions in quick succession on the island, with some residents claiming to have seen two aircraft flying overhead. US Central Command had not immediately responded to an AFP request for comment. An Israeli military spokesperson also told AFP that Israel was not involved in the latest reported strikes. Iran warns of retaliation but keeps diplomatic channel open Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a return to war would benefit "no one", while insisting that his government remained committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue.

He said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had recently granted the government additional powers to negotiate issues that had previously been "off-limits". However, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the country remained prepared for military confrontation. "The countries of the region should know that, just as the Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready for battle with its finger on the trigger, it has also given the American side a powerful and rational response," he said. "The ball is now in America's court to prevent war." Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also asserted Iran's right to "legitimate self-defence" following the reported strikes.

Trump signals possible deal as Hormuz remains a key issue The military action came hours after Trump suggested that an agreement with Iran "could happen". In a post on Truth Social, he said: "Iran wants a settlement, as soon as possible." US Vice President JD Vance also indicated that Washington saw progress in the negotiations. "We've certainly made some progress. We'll see if we can make some more," he told reporters on Monday. Qatar, which is facilitating indirect negotiations between the two countries, said both sides remained engaged in the process and were reviewing proposals. Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Doha remained hopeful of an interim agreement.

Iran has also offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided Washington accepts its demands. These include ending the war on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions and ending the US counter-blockade of Iranian ports. The latest developments come as Americans vote in the November 3 midterm elections, with the war and its impact on inflation among the issues facing Trump's administration. The US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran in late February, triggering a conflict that has disrupted global markets and energy supplies. Trump has continued to issue warnings to Tehran, saying on Sunday that Washington might have to give Iran "the hammer".

On Saturday, he also referred to one or two remaining targets, including Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected nuclear site in central Iran that Tehran denies is a nuclear facility. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities installed a large billboard in central Tehran featuring Trump's photograph and the words: "We will kill Trump."