President Donald Trump has declared that “it’s time for peace,” after confirming that U.S. forces successfully intercepted the majority of missiles launched by Iran at American bases in the Middle East.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform Monday night, Trump described Iran’s retaliation as “very weak”. He praised the effectiveness of U.S. defense systems, saying 13 out of 14 missiles were shot down, with the remaining one posing no threat.
“No Americans were harmed, hardly any damage was done,” he said, adding that no Qatari personnel were injured either.
“CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!” Trump proclaimed, following up with a note of appreciation to the Emir of Qatar “for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region,”he added.
Trump concluded by saying, “Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”
The remarks come hours after Iran fired a volley of missiles at U.S. military installations in Qatar and Iraq, in retaliation for a joint U.S.-Israeli strike that targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the heavily fortified Fordo facility and government sites in Tehran.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defences had intercepted missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in the region, located southwest of Doha. No casualties or major damage were reported.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it called “an Iranian Revolutionary Guard attack” on the base.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a post on X, insisted that Iran does not seek war but “will not leave any invasion of great Iran unanswered.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed that stance, warning that the country “will not accept aggression from anyone under any circumstances.”
Meanwhile, explosions were also reported at Ain al-Assad base in Iraq. U.S. officials said early warnings and missile defense systems allowed for a swift response and minimal disruption.
In America, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Iranian response had been anticipated.
“This is the retaliation that was expected,” he told reporters, defending Trump’s initial decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites as “judicious.”
The U.S. embassy in Qatar lifted its shelter-in-place order hours after the incident, announcing that operations would resume normally. However, Qatari airspace remains temporarily closed.
