US military conducts new strikes on Qeshm Island as Trump asserts negotiations continue

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the American military had executed a new series of minor strikes against Iran's Qeshm Island. In his assessment, the president claimed that these operations effectively neutralized the Iranian air defense systems stationed on the island. He stated that the air defenses were knocked out in a timeframe of approximately fifteen minutes, though he also suggested the process might have taken as little as five minutes.

Iranian state media reported hearing two distinct blasts in the Suza area of Qeshm Island. The island is situated within the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has experienced significant disruption since the United States initiated its military campaign against Iran in February. The location of the strikes places them in a critical region for global energy transport and regional security.

The Iranian army provided its own account of the events through comments aired on the state broadcaster IRIB. Officials stated that their air defense units successfully shot down a US drone over the island. This claim contrasts with the rapid timeline proposed by the US president regarding the destruction of the defense systems.

In response to the reports of explosions, US Central Command, known as Centcom, indicated that the overall situation remained relatively calm. The command's statement aimed to reassure observers that the recent escalation had not led to widespread instability or immediate further conflict in the immediate aftermath of the blasts.

Late on Friday, US Central Command published a post on the social media platform X announcing a new incentive program. The US is offering a reward of up to $20 million, along with the possibility of relocation, for information regarding Iran's nuclear program. This includes details on facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, particularly those within the scientific community or those involved in the movement of nuclear materials.

This latest action follows a previous round of military operations reported by the US military as defensive strikes conducted on Monday. The current strikes mark the first significant engagement since the Republican Party experienced a severe defeat in the US midterm elections. That electoral loss was partially attributed to the ongoing war with Iran and the subsequent sharp increase in energy prices that affected American consumers.

Since the midterm elections, the president's public messaging has appeared inconsistent. He has oscillated between issuing threats to destroy Iran and asserting that the war is nearing its conclusion. This erratic communication style has created uncertainty among allies and adversaries alike regarding the future trajectory of the conflict.

Despite the fresh military actions, Trump repeatedly told reporters on Friday that talks with Iran are currently ongoing. He emphasized that the two sides are actively dealing with one another and that Iran is eager to reach a deal. The president added that significant progress has been made in the diplomatic process.

Qatar's foreign ministry has publicly rejected what it termed false claims that negotiations have stalled. Majad al-Ansari, the spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a post on X that promoting such incorrect narratives serves only those who wish to prolong the war and destabilize the region. This diplomatic pushback highlights the efforts of mediators to maintain momentum in peace talks while military operations continue.