President Trump delivered remarks Wednesday morning to discuss Iran’s missile attacks, during which he announced no American or Iraqi casualties, and declared new sanctions on Iran.
“I’m pleased to inform you … 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 base,” Trump announced.
Watch his remarks in the video below, beginning at approximately 41:30.
“No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces, and an early warning system that worked very well,” he added.
Sanctions will be immediately imposed on Iran, and they will remain until Iran changes its behavior, Trump said, though he did not specify the details of the upcoming sanctions.
“As long as I’m President of the United States. Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said
Trump also said that Iran “appears to be standing down,” which he praised as a positive thing for the world.
He criticized the Iran nuclear deal, which he said has been ineffective at preventing Iran’s hostile behavior, and gave Iran billions of dollars that it used to fund its weapons development.
Trump said the missiles fired at U.S. bases on Tuesday night “were paid for by the funds made available by the last administration.”
“Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism,” Trump said, then called on the remaining members of the Iran nuclear deal to “break away.”
“We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a more safe and peaceful place. We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper,” he said. “Peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment violence, unrest, and civil war.”
Trump said America is building “many hypersonic missiles” and has a significantly powerful military and weapons arsenal, but cautioned that it does not need to be used. “We do not want to use it,” he said.
“American strength both military and economic is the best deterrent,” he added.
Trump closed his remarks by speaking specifically to Iran, saying, “We want you to have a future — and a great future — one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”
Late Tuesday night, the Pentagon had confirmed Iran launched “more than a dozen ballistic missiles.”
“Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
Trump had responded to the attacks via Twitter Tuesday night, saying, “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.”
