Trump Orders New Iran Strikes; US Offers $20m for Nuclear Program Data

United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that American forces conducted fresh military operations against an Iranian air defence installation. President Trump characterized the action as "minor," emphasizing that the United States was not engaged in a state of war with Iran.

This recent strike marks the first reported military engagement by the US against Iran since the midterm elections held on Tuesday, which saw Democrats gain control of both legislative chambers in Congress. Speaking to journalists, Trump stated, "They built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five."

In response, Iranian state media reported two explosions within the Suza region of Qeshm Island, an area strategically located near a crucial oil shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. This Friday's operation represented the second series of US strikes carried out within the same week. Earlier on Monday, US forces had executed what Washington described as defensive strikes, with explosions reported on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam, as well as near Bandar Abbas, a significant naval hub on the Iranian mainland.

President Trump dismissed the notion that the ongoing conflict constituted a war, citing the absence of recent American casualties. He further indicated that communication channels between Washington and Tehran remained open. "We have total control, but we’re dealing with the Iranians. We’ll see how that all works out," Trump remarked. The US President also acknowledged that the tensions had played a role in the Republican party's losses during the midterms and had contributed to rising petrol prices, fueling voter dissatisfaction ahead of the elections.

Hours prior to Friday's military action, Washington publicly offered a substantial reward of up to $20 million, alongside potential relocation, for credible information regarding Iran's nuclear programme. The State Department's Rewards for Justice initiative specifically sought details on nuclear scientists and related personnel, technological advancements, capabilities, and organizations associated with the programme.

Meanwhile, two Middle Eastern government officials disclosed on Friday that Tehran was actively reviewing new proposals, facilitated by Qatar, aimed at de-escalating the heightened tensions. One official indicated that Iran was unwilling to engage in negotiations concerning its nuclear programme unless Washington agreed to specific prerequisites. These included the cessation of the blockade on Iranian ports, the lifting of existing sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, compensation for damages incurred during war, and an assurance for the termination of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

The White House refrained from commenting directly on these proposals but affirmed that discussions with Iran would persist. "We are talking to Iran. We have been," President Trump confirmed.

Concurrently, Iranian authorities have disseminated emergency guidelines amidst concerns that the United States might target Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear facility. A video circulated widely on Iranian social media advised residents to "get inside, stay inside and listen for updates" in the event of a nuclear emergency. The warning highlighted the potential for strong winds to disperse radioactive dust far from the site, claiming that those in closest proximity might have a mere 10 to 15 minutes before the fallout reached them. An official from the Iranian health ministry also informed The Times that iodine tablets had been distributed to individuals residing near nuclear installations.

During an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, President Trump asserted that previous US strikes had already neutralized Iran's potential nuclear capabilities, though he maintained that Pickaxe Mountain remained a viable target. "Now we might have to go after Pickaxe but that’s not a big deal," he stated, adding that the United States possessed the capability to execute such an operation within an hour if it chose to act.