Donald Trump issues surprising statement after Iran strikes US air base
President Donald Trump has spoken out after Iran launched missiles at US air bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday.
Earlier today (23 June), Iran targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base - the largest US base in the Middle East that houses some 10,000 US troops - after the Trump administration attacked three of Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend.
The Ain al-Asad air base housing US troops in Western Iraq was also targeted today, an Iraqi security official told The Associated Press.
Qatari air defences were able to intercept the missiles, and officials have confirmed there were no casualties at Al Udeid.
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Iranian Tasnim news agency stated that operation 'Annunciation of Victory' had been launched against US bases. Meanwhile, The New York Times is reporting three Iranian officials said they had coordinated the attack with officials in Qatar in a bid to 'minimise casualties'.
Now, Trump has issued a statement following a turbulent day in the Middle East.
The POTUS wrote on Truth Social: "Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered.
"There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was 'set free', because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction.
"I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their “system,” and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE.
"I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Trump added: "I’d like to thank the Highly Respected Emir of Qatar for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region.
"Regarding the attack today at the American Base in Qatar, I am pleased to report that, in addition to no Americans being killed or wounded, very importantly, there have also been no Qataris killed or wounded.
"Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Qatar was quick to condemn missiles being launched on the US base, dubbing Iran's attack as 'flagrant violation' of sovereignty.
"We are assured that Qatari air defences thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missile," a statement from the Qatari's read.
After the missiles were fired, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on Twitter: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
Topics: Donald Trump, Iran, Truth Social
Callum Jones