Some Trump officials reportedly believe Iran 'intentionally missed' Americans
Some in the Trump administration reportedly believe Iran "intentionally missed" Americans when it targeted two Iraqi bases with ballistic missiles.
After early reports indicated that Iran's attacks on two bases that housed U.S. troops resulted in no U.S. casualties, CNN reports there is a "growing belief among some administration officials that Iran's missiles intentionally missed areas populated by Americans," with officials considering that "Iran could have directed their missiles to hit areas that are populated by Americans — but specifically did not." There are, however, also "questions about Iran's targeting capabilities, which could have impacted the areas that were hit," the report says.
But one State Department official told CNN that Iran seemed to be sending the message that "we could have done it and we didn't do it." Similarly, a Pentagon official told CNN's Jake Tapper that many military leaders are of the belief that Iran was intentionally aiming for no loss of U.S. life, going for "minimum damage" but "maximum warning."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trump in a tweet after the attack on Tuesday night said "all is well!" and that while an "assessment of casualties and damages" is "taking place now," "so far, so good!" He is set to make a statement on Wednesday morning. This idea of Iran intentionally missing American targets will be presented to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, CNN reports, who will brief Trump.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Roasted squash and apple soup recipeThe Week Recommends Autumnal soup is full of warming and hearty flavours
-
Ukraine: Donald Trump pivots againIn the Spotlight US president apparently warned Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Vladimir Putin’s terms or face destruction during fractious face-to-face
-
Autumn Budget: will Rachel Reeves raid the rich?Talking Point To fill Britain’s financial black hole, the Chancellor will have to consider everything – except an income tax rise
-
NY attorney general asks public for ICE raid footageSpeed Read Rep. Dan Goldman claims ICE wrongly detained four US citizens in the Canal Street raid and held them for a whole day without charges
-
Trump’s huge ballroom to replace razed East WingSpeed Read The White House’s east wing is being torn down amid ballroom construction
-
Trump expands boat strikes to Pacific, killing 5 moreSpeed Read The US military destroyed two more alleged drug smuggling boats in international waters
-
Trump demands millions from his administrationSpeed Read The president has requested $230 million in compensation from the Justice Department for previous federal investigations
-
Trump nominee in limbo after racist texts leakSpeed Read Paul Ingrassia lost Republican support following the exposure of past racist text messages
-
Trump begins East Wing demolition for ballroomspeed read The president’s new construction will cost $250 million
-
Appeals court clears Trump’s Portland troop deploymentSpeed Read A divided federal appeals court ruled that President Trump can send the National Guard to Portland
-
Millions turn out for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ ralliesSpeed Read An estimated 7 million people participated, 2 million more than at the first ‘No Kings’ protest in June
