US Strikes Iranian Missile Sites Amid Deadlocked Diplomacy
President Donald Trump authorized strikes on Iranian anti-aircraft facilities while Tehran demands sanctions relief and troop withdrawals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States launched limited strikes on Monday night targeting surface-to-air missile sites on Qeshm and Hengam islands and in Bandar Abbas. President Donald Trump confirmed the attacks targeted a newly completed anti-aircraft facility on Qeshm Island, describing the action as a minor strike. The military escalation coincides with U.S. midterm elections and follows a period of high tension that began in February.
Diplomatic efforts mediated by Qatar remain deadlocked. Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington lifts its naval blockade, restores oil waivers, and unfreezes assets. However, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated the U.S. response to Iranian demands is not convincing. He specified seven conditions for reopening the waterway, including a Middle East ceasefire, war reparations, and the withdrawal of U.S. forces.
Iranian leadership is divided in tone. President Masoud Pezeshkian advocated for dialogue, while chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran is ready for battle. In Tehran, authorities installed a billboard threatening President Trump. Meanwhile, Donald Trump expressed optimism that a settlement could happen soon, though he claimed the U.S. could neutralize remaining Iranian nuclear sites in 10 minutes and stated he is in no rush to resume full-scale attacks.
