Trump confirms US strike on Iran, says 'anti-aircraft facility hit near Hormuz'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed that American forces had carried out an overnight strike against an Iranian anti-aircraft facility, describing the operation as a limited military action amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking during a telephone interview with Fox News' Fox & Friends, Trump said the United States had monitored the construction of the facility before launching the attack shortly after its completion.

"They built an anti-aircraft facility... As soon as it was completed, we hit it last night very nicely," Trump said, describing the operation as a "minor attack".

His remarks followed reports that American forces had struck military installations on Iran's Qeshm Island in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments normally passes.

The confirmation came as Americans voted in the November 3 midterm elections, with the continuing confrontation involving Iran and its impact on energy prices remaining major issues.

𝗨𝗦 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲

According to American officials cited by international media organisations, the strikes were limited in scope and intended to prevent Iranian forces from targeting US military assets and commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the operation targeted Qeshm Island, while other American media outlets also reported military activity in the area.

US officials characterised the action as defensive rather than the beginning of a renewed large-scale military campaign against Iran.

Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that five explosions were heard in rapid succession on the island. Some residents also reported seeing two aircraft flying overhead.

There was no immediate independently verified assessment of the damage caused by the strikes or confirmation of casualties.

The Pentagon referred questions about the operation to US Central Command, which had not immediately provided a detailed public account.

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿

Despite confirming the attack, Trump sought to distinguish the operation from a broader military offensive.

He maintained that Washington was not seeking extensive casualties but warned that further action remained possible if circumstances demanded it.

The President's comments followed reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been urging Washington to consider additional military action against Iran.

However, an Israeli military spokesperson told AFP that Israel was not involved in the latest strikes.

The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in late February, triggering a prolonged confrontation that has disrupted shipping and energy markets.

The latest strike has renewed concerns about a possible escalation, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute.

𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Iranian officials responded to the developments by warning that Tehran retained the right to defend itself against American military action.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted Iran's right to legitimate self-defence, while chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the country remained prepared for military confrontation.

Ghalibaf said Iran was ready for battle, while maintaining that Washington still had an opportunity to prevent a renewed conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, adopted a more conciliatory position, warning that a return to war would benefit neither country.

He said his government continued to seek a resolution through dialogue and indicated that Iranian authorities had been given additional negotiating flexibility on previously restricted issues.

𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲

The military action came as diplomatic efforts involving Qatar continued in an attempt to prevent another major escalation.

Mediators have been working on proposals aimed at resolving disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz, economic restrictions and Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran has indicated that it could reopen the strategic waterway if Washington agrees to certain conditions, including easing sanctions and ending restrictions affecting Iranian ports.

US Vice President JD Vance has also expressed cautious optimism about negotiations, suggesting that progress remained possible despite continuing military tensions.

The latest strike nevertheless underscores the fragile nature of the diplomatic process, with both countries maintaining military pressure while exploring a possible settlement.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central concern because disruptions to commercial shipping through the waterway have affected international energy supplies and contributed to volatility in global oil markets.

With negotiations continuing and military tensions unresolved, attention is now focused on whether Washington and Tehran can prevent further strikes and reach an agreement to restore maritime traffic through the strategic passage.