US conducts limited airstrike on Iranian air defenses as diplomatic talks continue

The United States military said it carried out a short-duration airstrike on an Iranian air-defence installation on Qeshm Island on Friday night. President Donald Trump described the operation as "minor" and said it lasted about 15 minutes, adding that the United States is not engaged in a broader conflict with Iran.

Iranian state media reported two missiles hitting the Suza area of Qeshm Island, though details on targets and damage were not provided. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed to have shot down a U.S. drone over southern Iran, a claim the United States did not confirm.

Qatar, acting as chief mediator, said its representatives remain in close coordination with the United States and Iran to support ongoing negotiations. Two Middle-East officials told the Associated Press that Iran is reviewing proposals presented by Qatar but has so far not agreed to resume talks with the Trump administration until certain conditions, including the lifting of sanctions and the end of the U.S. naval blockade, are met.

President Trump said the United States has made "a lot of progress" with Iran and that Tehran wants to reach a deal. He also emphasized that diplomatic efforts are aimed at preventing a wider war in the region.

Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, told an Oxford University event that Qatar is working with U.S. officials to contain the situation and avoid escalation. The Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also discussed the diplomatic process in separate calls.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he has spoken with multiple foreign ministers to explain Iran’s positions and called for regional security arrangements free of super-regional interference. Iranian military spokespeople warned that Iran will not allow enemy bases to be rebuilt in the region.

Analysts noted that Tehran appears prepared for a broader conflict, citing its missile development and coordination with regional partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iraqi Shiite militias.