Trump mocks Iran's ‘very weak' revenge missile attack on US base in Qatar – and even THANKS them for sending a warning
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DONALD Trump last night mocked Iran's 'very weak' missile attack on a US base in Qatar — and even thanked them for sending a warning.
Iran stage-managed a response to America's huge B-2 stealth bomber blitz on its nuclear sites.
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Air defence systems are seen intercepting incoming Iranian missiles over Qatar
Credit: X
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The moment an Iranian missile is launched in an attempt to hit US air bases in the region
Credit: IRNA News Agency
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The moment one of Iran's ballistic missiles is destroyed by an interceptor over Qatar
Credit: Reuters
The terrorist state cooked up a fake attack after passing warnings to its Qatari allies, which allowed all US service personnel and aircraft to be moved out of harm's way.
Reports of the number of missiles varied, with Qatar initially claiming it was 12 but later revising the figure to 19. Trump said 14 were fired.
Trump described Iran's attack as 'a very weak response', which the US had expected and 'very effectively countered'.
He said on social media: 'There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and one was 'set free,' because it was headed in a non-threatening direction.
READ MORE ON US-IRAN CONFLICT
PLANE DIVERTED UK flight heading to Doha forced to turn back after Iran's missile strike
'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.'
US President Trump's mocking response came after Iran launched ballistic missiles at America's Al-Udeid base near capital Doha.
American interceptors were seen streaking to meet the incoming barrage shortly before 7pm local times. Trump had warned Iran not to attack US forces in the region, vowing an even more withering attack if they dared to take revenge.
But Iran's fanatical Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — in a bid to show defiance at home — pulled the trigger on what he called Operation Blessings of Victory.
Inside Operation Midnight Hammer: How Trump carried out unprecedented Iran attack using decoys in 37-hour covert mission
Explosions were also reported over Iraq amid reports that at least one Iranian missile was launched towards US forces and alerts also sounded in nearby Bahrain.
However, officials later confirmed that there was no Iranian attack detected at any US military base other than in Qatar.
Iran described its attack as 'a mighty and successful response to America's aggression'.
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Khamenei added: 'The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a great crime; it must be punished and is being punished; it is being punished right now.'
Iran was reported to have coordinated its attack on the US air base with Qatari officials to achieve a symbolic victory to provide an 'exit ramp' from the conflict.
Qatar announced within minutes that missile defences had repelled the attempted strike and that there had been no casualties.
Iran was said to have even contacted Qatari officials before the limited attack to 'minimise casualties' and US personnel there had all taken cover.
But last night Qatari officials said: 'We express strong condemnation of the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace. We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly.'
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Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei has launched 'Operation Blessings of Victory' in a show of defiance
Credit: AP
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Hopes rose last night that Donald Trump may step back from a response to Iran's attack, which could suck global powers into catastrophic global escalation
Credit: AFP
Meanwhile, Israel stepped up its blitz on its arch enemy yesterday, with follow-up strikes on the region's Fordow atomic plant.
Khamenei's regime announced last night that it had used the same number of missiles in its attack as the US used during Sunday's historic Operation Midnight Hammer blitz of atomic sites.
Trump has ordered Iran's leaders to surrender unconditionally immediately and halt their nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
But he yesterday openly floated the idea of new leadership to end the tyranny of the hate-filled Islamist zealots he branded the 'bullies of the Middle East'.
Trump said on his Truth Social forum: 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change'.
'But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!'
The White House later insisted regime change was not among its objectives and that it was not actively hunting Khamenei — said to be cowering in a secret bunker in capital Tehran.
But risks remained last night of a deadly miscalculation that could claim US lives and force Trump to plunge deeper into the conflict.
He and defence chief Pete Hegseth entered the Situation Room in the West Wing of the White House to begin plotting their response within minutes of the strikes.
But initial reports suggested there had been no US casualties thanks to prior warnings given by Iran through back channels.
Trump had visited Al-Udeid air base five weeks ago on his Middle East tour and was given a rapturous reception by servicemen and women. But hopes rose last night that he may step back from a response that could suck global powers into a catastrophic escalation.
Last night's drama came after British citizens in Qatar were urged to 'shelter in place' last night amid fears of an imminent Iranian attack. Qatar then closed its airspace as multiple sources reported that 'a credible threat' had been identified to the US-run Coalition Air Operations Centre at Al-Udeid.
The base was put on maximum alert and military personnel were ordered to bolt for secure bunkers.
Trump has already warned of massive retribution if the terror state dares to strike back after the weekend strikes in support of Israel. British RAF personnel also serve on rotation alongside US military and were also understood to have taken cover last night.
Around 20,000 Brits and 8,000 American citizens currently live in Doha. All received government advice to step up vigilance ahead of Iran's action.
Britain's Foreign Office urged all UK citizens there to 'shelter in place' — defined as seeking immediate safety indoors, preferably in a safe room — and to stay there.
The drastic direction is usually only issued to protect people from 'imminent danger'.
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The remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar
Credit: AFP
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