President Donald Trump has said Iran appears to be “standing down” and said no Americans were harmed in Iran’s ballistic missile strike on two Iraqi bases housing US troops.
Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing US troops in Iraq early on Wednesday, saying it was in retaliation for the killing in a US drone strike of powerful Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani on January 3.
But speaking from the White House later in the day, Trump seemed intent on de-escalating the crisis, indicating that he would not retaliate militarily for the strikes.
Instead, he said the US would immediately put in place new economic sanctions “until Iran changes its behaviour” after that country’s most brazen direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the US Embassy in Tehran.
The president said there were no US citizens harmed in the attack, a fact for which Americans should be “extremely grateful and happy.”
LIVE: President @realDonaldTrump Addresses the Nation https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 8, 2020
“No Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases,” Trump said in an address to the nation.
“Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world.”
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
Trump, flanked by Vice President Mike Pence, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and military officers, also said he will ask NATO to become “much more involved in Middle East process.”
He also used his address to speak directly to Iran, saying “we want you to have a future and a great future,” adding the US is ready to “embrace peace and all who seek it”.
-with AAP
The post Donald Trump reacts to Iran’s missile attack appeared first on The New Daily.
**Business and Marketing support on best price; Hit the link now----> http://bit.ly/2HsQmSi