World

Trump Declares Iran Conflict Not a War Amid Ongoing U.S. Strikes

By Vivek Dubey

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the military confrontation with Iran was "not a war," noting that no one had been hurt or killed in the five months since the conflict began. He added that the United States had made "a lot of progress with Iran" and was taking out more oil than before the war. Trump described the latest U.S. strikes on Iranian air‑defence systems as "minor" and limited to a few targets. Iranian state media reported two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, a strategically important location near the Strait of Hormuz. Washington continues to consider military options while diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate tensions are underway. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani spoke with Trump on Friday about reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the crisis and achieve regional security and stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has discussed a possible resumption of negotiations with Washington, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, setting a timetable for talks, and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump reiterated on Truth Social that U.S. action had prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons, stating that the security of Israel and the wider Middle East depended on that intervention.}