Former US President Donald Trump has downplayed Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, calling the response “very weak” and claiming it was effectively countered.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump stated:
“Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered.”
Trump also thanked Iran for giving early notice of the attack, crediting the warning with preventing any casualties:
“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.”
The comments come amid heightened tensions following a reported US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, which triggered Iran’s missile attacks on US military positions in Qatar and Iraq. While Qatar confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted the missiles targeting Al Udeid and that no injuries were sustained, the missile launches mark a significant escalation in hostilities.
Trump’s remarks reflect a broader political effort to frame the U.S. response as dominant and preemptive, even as global leaders express concern over the risk of a wider regional conflict. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has officially commented on Trump’s statements as of now.
