US and Iran continue mediation as US strikes Iranian air defense on Qeshm Island

The US military struck an Iranian air defense system on Qeshm Island on Friday, with President Trump endorsing the action and hinting at further strikes, as diplomatic efforts to end the eight-month conflict continue. Trump described the strike as "minor" and said the system was knocked out in about 15 minutes, while Iranian state media reported explosions in the Suza area. The action follows US strikes on Monday and comes as Iran has sent a fresh nuclear proposal to Washington via Qatar, with Tehran demanding sanctions relief and reparations. The strikes are the first since Trump's Republican Party faced major losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, driven by voter dissatisfaction over the war and rising fuel prices. The conflict has disrupted global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and spilled into the Red Sea with Houthi attacks.