US and Iran in talks to end war; strikes on Iran continue

In depth

US forces struck an air defense system on Qeshm Island in Iran, after it fired a missile at an American fighter jet. A day later, explosions were heard again on the island. Explosions were heard on Qeshm Island on further nights afterward.

In parallel with the talks, Qatar is proposing a framework that includes low-level uranium enrichment, dilution of 400 kg of enriched material, release of frozen assets worth billions of dollars, and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Qatari prime minister met Trump at the White House, and in closed talks acknowledged that significant disagreements remain between the sides, including on the nuclear issue and the naval blockade.

Trump said he sees positive momentum toward ending the confrontation, and spoke with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey. According to Trump, military action is not necessary at this time, and the US is prepared to act if developments turn for the worse.