WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out fresh strikes on Iranian air defence systems on Qeshm Island, even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.
Trump described the operation as a minor strike, saying US forces had destroyed an anti-aircraft system that Iran had recently built. He made the remarks to reporters on Friday while travelling to Florida.
The strikes came after attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that at least 11 ships had been targeted in the area over the past week, with three sinking.
Despite the military escalation, Washington and Tehran have continued discussions through regional mediators. Qatar has been involved in efforts to broker an understanding that could include the US lifting its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and releasing some frozen Iranian assets. In return, Iran could allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to visit nuclear sites damaged in earlier strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had spoken with several foreign ministers in an effort to prevent further escalation. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also said mediation between the two sides remained active.
The US has meanwhile announced the creation of a new task force to prevent Iran from moving weapons and other restricted materials through land routes and the Caspian Sea.
The latest strikes underscore the uncertainty surrounding the conflict, with military action continuing alongside negotiations. Trump has said Tehran wants a deal, but no agreement has been announced.
With input from media reports.