UPDATED: Trump won’t retaliate militarily against Iran but threatens fresh economic sanctions

 

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the U.S. suffered no casualties in the missile attack by Iran on an Iraqi airbase used by American soldiers.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the attack which Iran said was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani.

Iran had called that attack an “act of war” and “state terrorism” and vowed a response.
Mr Trump while addressing journalists at the White House said the U.S. suffered only minimal damage to facilities during the ballistic missile attack.

“We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained by the military bases,” he said.

He also said No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautionary measures earlier taken.

Throughout his speech, Mr Trump made no mention of any military retaliation against Iran for the attack. He, however, said the U.S. will immediately impose additional economic sanctions on Iran.
“As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional sanctions; economic sanctions on the Iranian regime.

“These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its ways,” he said.

He also said the decision to eliminate Mr Soleimani was taken to stop a ruthless terrorist from threatening American lives.

He further explained that his administration worked with Iran to defeat ISIS and is willing to work with them on other matters.

“The destruction of ISIS is good for Iran and we should work together on this and other shared priorities,” he said.

As part of the alleged offences against America and its allies by Iran, Mr Trump highlighted the recent seizure of ships in international waters, the attack on a Saudi oil facility and the downing of two U.S. drones in recents months.

Premium Times

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