Trump confirms fresh Iran strikes days after voters punish war at polls

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the American military conducted limited strikes against Iran, aiming to neutralize an Iranian air defense system. The strikes, described by Trump as "minor," took place in a short duration, involving the destruction of an anti-aircraft device. No further information was provided regarding the specific target.

US officials have reported that most of Iran's air defense systems have been destroyed or severely damaged during bombardments by Israel and early in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, defensive strikes were reported on Monday, with explosions heard on Qeshm, Hengam islands, and the mainland of Bandar Abbas in the Strait of Hormuz.

These strikes come after Republican Party losses in the midterm elections, partly due to voter dissatisfaction with Trump's handling of the conflict and the resulting fuel price hikes. Iran has proposed a resolution to the war, but its willingness to engage in negotiations with the Trump administration remains contingent on specific demands, including ending the US blockade on Iran's ports, lifting sanctions, and freeing assets seized as part of a US campaign against Iran's nuclear program.