Trump: ‘Iran Appears to be Standing Down’ in Address to Nation

January 8, 2020

President Trump declared that Iran “appears to be standing down,” in an address to the nation after Tuesday night’s missile attack on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. military personnel.

“Our great American forces are prepared for anything,” Trump in remarks from the Grand Foyer of the White House Wednesday morning. “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world.”

Joined by military officials, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence, Trump confirmed that no Americans were killed in the wake of the missile strikes. As many as 15 ballistic missiles were fired into two waves, with ten of those missiles hitting the U.S. military shelter of Ain al-Asad Air Base and one hitting a U.S. military base in Erbil.

“I’m pleased to inform you: The American people should be extremely grateful and happy no Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime,” Trump said. “We suffered no casualties, all of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. No American or Iraqi lives were lost.”

The President also announced his administration will hit Iran with new round of “punishing economic sanctions” against the Tehran government.

“As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime,” Trump said. “These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior.”

The remarks lasted about 10 minutes, with the President calling on Iran to “embrace peace.”

“Finally, to the people and leaders of Iran: 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,” Trump concluded. “The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”