Egypt Daily News – U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran informed the United States in advance of its intention to strike the American base in Qatar, in retaliation for U.S. strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites. In a speech delivered Friday during a national event following the approval of a new tax law, Trump said the Iranian missiles were “high-quality and very fast,” but “were all easily intercepted.”
With clear sarcasm, Trump remarked that the Iranians “ were very respectful. That means they respect us” to ask for permission to launch 14 missiles. “I told them, go ahead,” he added.
In the same context, Trump praised the U.S. military operation that he said targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming they were “completely destroyed.” He said the mission involved more than 30 aerial refueling aircraft to support fighter jets, calling it “a precise and large-scale operation,” and highlighted the key role played by B-2 bomber pilots in executing the strikes.
Trump went on to say that the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. He also announced the U.S. would build what he called a “Golden Dome” to protect the country from external threats. He mentioned that the pilots and technicians who took part in the strikes would be honored at the White House during July 4th celebrations.
He criticized CNN, calling it “fake news,” and said its reports downplaying the damage to Iran’s facilities undermined the efforts of “amazing American soldiers.”
Trump noted that the entire world was watching the U.S. strike, including China, and emphasized, “No one has military equipment like we do.” He also criticized former President Joe Biden’s policies, saying the U.S. had recently been “the laughingstock of the world” before it regained the trust of its allies.
He further announced that NATO partners had agreed to raise defense spending by over one trillion dollars.
Concluding his remarks, Trump said Iran had expressed willingness to negotiate with the United States. He noted that his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is managing the talks. “I believe they want to meet, I know they want to meet. And if needed, I’ll do it,” he said.
