US President Donald Trump played down Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base on Monday, saying Tehran had given advance notice of the attack and urging regional de-escalation and peace.
Trump claimed in a series of posts on Truth Social that all 14 of Iran’s missiles were intercepted or deflected, meaning that no American lives were lost and that the damage was modest. The largest US military installation in the Middle East, which also houses Qatari forces and other allied personnel, was the target of the missiles.
“I’m happy to say that there was almost no damage done and that no Americans were hurt. They’ve gotten it all out of their system, and hopefully there won’t be any more hate,” Trump stated.
No Americans or Qataris were killed or injured in the strike, the president continued, adding that precautions were taken because of Iran’s warning.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Iran for providing us with advance notice, which allowed for the prevention of fatalities and injuries,” Trump wrote. “Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
White House: Expected retaliation
Following US airstrikes on nuclear targets inside Iran over the weekend, a senior White House official had earlier told CNN that the Trump administration had expected an Iranian response.
“We anticipated their retaliation. In reference to the 2020 US drone strike that killed prominent Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, the official stated, “They had a similar response after Soleimani.”
According to preliminary estimates, the Iranian missiles may not have reached their targets, the official said. Later, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense verified that the approaching missiles were intercepted by its air defense systems, preventing material loss and casualties.
The president did not want additional military involvement in the area, according to the US official.
The president still has the right to use force if needed, the White House stressed.
On Monday afternoon, Trump was supposed to meet with national security personnel. The official stated that his position may change based on events.
According to the White House source, “President Trump is willing to escalate US military involvement if necessary.”
Trump reaffirmed his wish for calm in a subsequent post, saying, “It’s time for peace.”
Iran’s military announced in a statement earlier today that it launched a “devastating and powerful” missile attack on the Al-Udeid base in Qatar. They declared that under no circumstances will they allow an attack on Iranian territory to go unanswered.
In a statement, Iran’s top security council said that the number of bombs used by its military was equal to the number used by the United States in its attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Additionally, it stated that the US installation was located far from Qatari residential areas and urban amenities.
According to the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, the missile strike against Qatar’s residential areas did not target Al Udeid Air Base. The council issued a statement saying, “The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar, and this action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people.”
This assault against US bases in the area was called “Operation Basharat al-Fath” by Iranian state television. The US Department of Defense and the White House are aware of the possible threats to the Al Udeid air base in Qatar and are keeping a careful eye on them, according to a senior White House official.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps formally acknowledged that it had launched a retaliatory missile attack against the US al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
