US strikes Iranian air defense system as Tehran weighs Qatari proposals

The U.S. military conducted new limited strikes on an Iranian air defense system on Friday, President Donald Trump confirmed, marking the first such action since the Republican Party lost both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections. Trump described the strikes as "minor," saying the U.S. knocked out the anti-aircraft device in about five to 15 minutes. Iranian state media reported two explosions on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping waterway. The action follows U.S. assessments that Iran was attempting to rebuild air defenses degraded by a June 2025 Israeli bombardment and the current conflict. Meanwhile, Iran is reviewing proposals from Qatari mediators aimed at addressing differences over Tehran's nuclear program, though officials say Iran remains unwilling to negotiate until the U.S. meets core conditions, including lifting its blockade and sanctions. The U.S. has also offered a reward of up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear program.