WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out fresh limited strikes against Iranian air defence systems near Qeshm Island, raising fears of renewed escalation in the conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump said Friday that US forces had destroyed an Iranian anti-aircraft installation on the strategically important island near the Strait of Hormuz, describing the operation as a minor strike.
Iranian state media reported explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, while the country's military said its air defences had intercepted and destroyed an American MQ-9 drone over the island. The claim could not be independently verified.
The latest military action comes as Qatar continues mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said negotiations remained active and expressed confidence that an agreement could still be reached.
Trump has also indicated that progress has been made in discussions with Iran, although major disagreements remain over sanctions, nuclear activities and the US naval blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world's oil supplies passes.
Regional governments have expressed concern that further military escalation could threaten shipping, energy markets and security across the Middle East.
GAROWE ONLINE WORLD NEWS
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