US Strikes Iran Air Defenses as Nuclear Talks Progress

The United States carried out new strikes on Iranian air defenses on Qeshm Island after several vessels were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements from both sides on Saturday. President Trump described the strikes as 'minor' and said they targeted an anti-aircraft device. The strikes come after at least 11 ships were attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, with three sinking, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.

Despite the military action, negotiations to end the war are ongoing. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed that mediation between Washington and Tehran remains active and that the US is still willing to find a solution. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had spoken with 12 foreign ministers in 48 hours in an effort to prevent further escalation.

A potential diplomatic breakthrough may be emerging, as Iran is showing willingness to discuss aspects of its nuclear program that were previously off the table, Bloomberg reported, citing a diplomat familiar with the talks. Under the latest proposal from Qatar, the US would lift the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and release some frozen Iranian assets, while Iran would allow the return of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to visit bombed-out nuclear sites, according to the Guardian.

Meanwhile, the US continues to apply economic pressure on Iran. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, is establishing a new task force to prevent Iran from using ground routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials. The 20-strong Task Force Iron Gate will coordinate with unnamed US government agencies focusing on dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and illegal revenue streams across Iran's land borders and the Caspian Sea. Centcom said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had bottled up $25 billion in Iranian crude oil.

The strikes on Qeshm Island were the first since Tuesday's midterm elections in the US, which delivered major victories to Democrats amid voter frustration over the war and rising prices. Trump also spoke recently with Al Thani, according to the emir's office. Al Thani said Friday at Oxford University that 'we will never have a perfect peace deal but you can't wait for that perfect moment' at the expense of a good deal.