Egypt Daily News – In the wake of Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, former President Donald Trump downplayed the attack, describing it as “very weak” and thanking Iran for what he claimed was an early warning.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said 13 of the 14 missiles fired by Iran were intercepted, resulting in no American casualties and minimal damage.
“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done,” Trump wrote. “Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE.”
Trump went on to extend an unusual thank-you to Iran for what he described as advance notice of the strike, adding, “Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
Shortly after, he declared in a follow-up post: “CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!”
However, a senior Qatari official disputed any suggestion that the Gulf state had received specific intelligence about the impending strike. According to the official, Qatar was given a broad regional warning that U.S. bases in the area could be targeted—but no explicit notification regarding Al Udeid.
The air base, which is owned by Qatar but hosts thousands of U.S. troops, was the only facility targeted in the strike, according to two U.S. defense officials. Both confirmed that missile defense systems intercepted the incoming projectiles and said it remains unclear whether any missiles actually impacted the base.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also addressed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), insisting Iran had acted defensively.
“We did not attack anyone. And we do not accept anyone’s attack. And we will not surrender to anyone’s attack; this is the logic of the Iranian nation,” Khamenei wrote.
We didn't harm anyone. And we will not accept any harassment from anyone under any circumstances. And we will not submit to anyone's harassment; This is the logic of the Iranian nation.#بشارت_فتح#الله_اکبرpic.twitter.com/jO9HuFh1tz
— IRJ – Islamic Resistance Journal (@WarActivistWW3) June 23, 2025
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior sought to calm public anxiety, stating the country’s security situation is “stable and there is no cause for concern.” The ministry warned against the spread of misinformation and affirmed that authorities are “fully prepared and vigilant” to respond to any further developments.
