Trump launches new strikes on Iran after US introduced $20m reward for data on Tehran’s nuclear program

World

By Linda Ikeji
7 November 2026, 1:21 pm

US President Donald Trump mentioned American forces struck an Iranian air defence web site on Friday, describing the operation as “minor” and insisting the United States was not at battle with Iran. The strike was the primary reported US navy motion in opposition to Iran since Tuesday’s midterm elections, by which Democrats gained management of each chambers of Congress.

“They built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five,” Trump instructed reporters. Iranian state media reported two explosions within the Suza space of Qeshm Island, close to a significant oil transport route via the Strait of Hormuz.

Friday’s operation was the second spherical of US strikes that week. US forces launched strikes on Monday that Washington described as defensive. Explosions had been reported on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam and close to Bandar Abbas, a naval hub on the Iranian mainland. Trump rejected the outline of the battle as a battle, citing what he mentioned was an absence of current US casualties. He additionally mentioned Washington remained involved with Tehran.

“We have total control, but we’re dealing with the Iranians. We’ll see how that all works out,” he mentioned. Trump acknowledged that the battle had contributed to Republican losses within the midterms. The combating had additionally pushed up petrol costs, including to voter frustration forward of the election.

Hours earlier than Friday’s strike, Washington provided as much as $20 million and potential relocation in change for details about Iran’s nuclear programme. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme mentioned it was searching for details about nuclear scientists and different personnel, applied sciences and capabilities, and organisations linked to the programme.

Two Middle Eastern authorities officers mentioned on Friday that Tehran was contemplating new proposals brokered by Qatar to ease tensions. One official mentioned Iran was unwilling to barter over its nuclear programme till Washington agreed to circumstances that included ending the blockade of Iranian ports, lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian belongings, offering compensation for battle injury and securing an finish to Israeli operations in Lebanon.

The White House declined to touch upon the proposals however mentioned discussions with Iran would proceed. “We are talking to Iran. We have been,” Trump mentioned.

Iranian authorities have in the meantime distributed emergency steering amid issues that the US might strike Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear web site. A video circulated on Iranian social media urged residents to “get inside, stay inside and listen for updates” within the occasion of a nuclear emergency. It warned that robust winds might carry radioactive mud removed from the location and claimed that folks residing closest may need solely 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than fallout reached them.

An Iranian well being ministry official instructed The Times that authorities had additionally distributed iodine tablets to folks residing close to nuclear services.

Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Trump claimed US strikes had already destroyed Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities and mentioned Pickaxe Mountain might nonetheless be focused.

“Now we might have to go after Pickaxe but that’s not a big deal,” he mentioned, claiming the United States might perform the operation inside an hour if it selected to behave.