This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
US President Donald Trump has sought to reassure the nation following a devastating attack by Iran on American soldiers in Iraq. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 American soldiers.
Iran has confirmed that it was responsible for the attack, which involved the launch of two missiles that destroyed two American military bases in Iraq.
According to preliminary reports, the attack was not as damaging as it had been anticipated, with Trump tweeting that 'all is well' and that the assessment of casualties and damages was taking place.
"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!" — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
However, the attack has escalated tensions between Iran and the US, with Iran vowing to revenge the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and warning the Trump Administration that it will pay dearly.
On Wednesday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the US should withdraw from the region and that Tehran's missile attacks on US targets in Iraq were 'a slap on the face' for America.
"Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region," Khamenei said in a televised speech.
Just hours after the attack in Iraq, a Ukrainian commercial airliner crashed moments after takeoff from Tehran airport, killing 179 people, including 147 Iranians.
A Turkish plane also crashed in Tehran a few minutes after takeoff, killing all 179 passengers on board, with more than 140 of the victims being Iranian citizens.
