US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces carried out limited airstrikes against an Iranian air defence system on Qeshm Island, in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump described the operation as “small,” adding that US forces destroyed a small Iranian air defence system within minutes.
“They destroyed it in 15 minutes, maybe five,” Trump told reporters, without specifying exactly where the strikes took place or providing further operational details.
His remarks came after media reports of explosions on Qeshm Island.
Iranian semi-official news agency Tasnim reported that, according to preliminary information, two missiles had struck the island. Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency IRNA, citing local witnesses, reported that two projectiles had hit the Suza area after an aircraft was heard flying overhead.
Iranian media also claimed that the country’s air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed an American MQ-1 Predator drone over Qeshm Island.
Meanwhile, President Trump said Washington was continuing its contacts with Tehran. Speaking to reporters in Florida, he stated: “We are talking to Iran. We have been in contact. They desperately want a deal.”
The strategically located Qeshm Island lies at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy transportation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the island is home to a major underground missile facility, a naval base and a large desalination plant. Qeshm has previously been targeted by US forces during earlier stages of the fighting, while American officials have also discussed the possibility of taking control of the island.
The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February. President Trump has repeatedly stated that the primary objective of the US military campaign is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
