Trump Downplays Iran Conflict as 'Minor Operation,' Says US 'Taking Out More Oil'

President Donald Trump has dismissed the ongoing confrontation with Iran as "not a war," calling it a "minor military operation" and citing no US casualties for five months, while claiming the US is extracting more oil than before hostilities. Trump stated Washington has made significant progress against Tehran, asserting that without US action, Israel and the Middle East would not exist due to a potential nuclear threat. His comments come amid fears of escalation following the US midterm elections, with Trump having threatened full-scale bombardment if Iran does not accept a settlement. On Saturday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported two missiles struck Qeshm Island, and Iran's navy said an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a mine near the Strait of Hormuz. Crude futures rose on renewed strike fears, while Qatari mediators continue efforts to support negotiations.