US strikes Iranian air defense system after midterm losses

The U.S. military carried out new limited strikes on Friday targeting an Iranian air defense system, President Donald Trump confirmed, describing the action as "minor" and lasting roughly five to 15 minutes. Iranian state media reported two explosions on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes mark the first U.S. military action since Republicans lost both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections, a setback driven partly by voter dissatisfaction with the conflict and elevated fuel prices. Trump has since wavered between threatening to "destroy" Iran and suggesting a resolution is near, while Qatar presented new proposals to Iranian officials addressing Tehran's nuclear program. Iran remains unwilling to negotiate on nuclear activities until the U.S. meets core conditions, including lifting the blockade, sanctions, and unfreezing assets. Mediators discussed a two-day bridge deal involving trust-building measures, while the U.S. offered up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear program.