American forces targeted a newly built air-defence installation near the Strait of Hormuz in what Washington terms a limited defensive action.
WASHINGTON, United States — US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces conducted air strikes on an Iranian air-defence installation on Qeshm Island, situated near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump characterised the strike as a limited military action rather than a resumption of full-scale warfare.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that American intelligence monitored the construction of the site for roughly two months before striking it immediately upon completion.
“They have no anti-aircraft. We took some out last night… They built an anti-aircraft facility. It took them about two months. We watched it get built. As soon as it was completed — we hit it,” Trump said.
The confirmation follows reports of explosions on Qeshm Island on Monday night. US officials defended the operation as a defensive measure, stating Iranian forces had targeted American military assets with surface-to-air missiles. Additional reports indicated American forces also struck missile launchers threatening commercial vessels in the area.
Qeshm is Iran’s largest island in the Persian Gulf. Its position near the Strait of Hormuz provides strategic oversight of crucial international shipping lanes carrying substantial volumes of global oil and liquefied natural gas.
Tehran condemned the strikes, asserting its right to retaliate. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the country’s right to legitimate self-defence remains active until American military aggression ends completely and permanently. Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that armed forces remain prepared for another round of combat. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained that diplomatic avenues remain viable, noting that neither nation benefits from expanded conflict.
Diplomatic channels remain open despite the strikes. Qatar confirmed it is facilitating exchanges of proposals between Washington and Tehran, expressing optimism regarding an interim agreement. Ongoing diplomatic talks involve potential frameworks to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and address the US blockade of Iranian ports.
