Trump Admits 'Minor Strikes' on Iran Air Defenses, Won't Address Qeshm Hits

President Trump acknowledged Friday that U.S. forces have carried out limited strikes on Iranian air defenses during Operation Epic Fury, but declined to say whether the U.S. was behind reported strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island.

Iranian state media reported that two projectiles hit the Suza area of Qeshm Island, according to Reuters. Trump said the U.S. conducts "minor strikes" that "knock out" targets, and described destroying an Iranian anti-aircraft device "in about 15 minutes, maybe five." He did not say where that happened or whether it was connected to the Qeshm reports.

Trump also said Iran wants a deal, citing its economic troubles and damage to its military. Qatar pushed back on reports that U.S.-Iran negotiations had collapsed.

On Saturday, IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi said the Guard's self-imposed 1,200-mile limit on ballistic missile range had been "lifted for us." He did not say whether Iran has missiles beyond that range; per the AP, Iran is not known to have any. Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly called last Saturday for an "immediate, effective, and unrestricted geographical response" to threats.

The State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to stay vigilant amid threats from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, and CENTCOM is offering up to $20 million for information on Iran's nuclear program. The reports come from a live blog and lack casualty figures or independent confirmation of the Qeshm strikes.