Iran's Armed Forces declare themselves "more powerful" than "at the beginning of the war"

Iran's armed forces claim to be more powerful and on higher alert than at the war's start. U.S. President Trump acknowledges the offensive against Iran influenced recent elections. The Iranian military reported shooting down a U.S. drone and noted explosions in Qeshm, an island in the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic talks are intensifying, with Trump speaking to Qatar's emir and Iran's foreign minister engaging Gulf counterparts. The U.S. Pentagon offered a $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear program, which Iran insists is for civilian purposes. Iran demands a ceasefire, unblocking of assets, suspension of oil sanctions, and an end to the U.S. naval blockade.