Trump downplays Iran conflict, says no casualties in five months
President Donald Trump dismissed the ongoing US military confrontation with Iran as "not a war," claiming no casualties have occurred in five months of conflict. He made the remarks Saturday despite continued American strikes and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Trump cited progress on oil production and described recent US strikes on Iranian air defence systems as "minor" with limited targets. Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar mediates talks and Iran proposes resuming negotiations. Trump reiterated on Truth Social that his actions prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons, asserting Israel and the Middle East would not exist otherwise. Gulf states seek to prevent further escalation amid ongoing regional instability.