Asked by reporters Monday whether he was planning to launch a new offensive against Iran in the coming days, Trump answered, “No.”
By United with Israel Staff
The US military destroyed an Iranian surface-to-air missile launcher on Qeshm Island after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired a missile at an American aircraft, Axios reported Monday, citing a US official.
According to the report, an American fighter jet struck and destroyed the launcher in self-defense after the Iranian missile was fired at the aircraft over the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
The previously undisclosed incident was reportedly one of several limited US strikes against Iranian military targets in recent weeks that Washington has largely kept secret as diplomatic efforts continue to end the eight-month conflict between the two countries.
The revelation comes as President Donald Trump publicly downplayed the prospect of an imminent new US offensive against Iran following Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Asked by reporters Monday whether he was planning to launch a new offensive against Iran in the coming days, Trump answered, “No.”
His response appeared to contrast with his warning at a campaign rally in Iowa over the weekend that Iran would soon “get the hammer” if it refused to reach an agreement ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports last week indicated that US officials had warned Gulf countries to prepare for possible renewed Iranian attacks as Washington considered a short but intense military campaign against the Islamic Republic.
Trump, however, told Israel’s Channel 12 that he was in no hurry to launch further military action.
“I’m in no rush to do anything,” Trump said. “We’re going to cripple their economy.”
Trump said negotiations with Iran were progressing, but indicated that Washington remained uncertain over who inside the Islamic Republic had the authority to make a final decision.
The combination of quiet US military strikes, heightened American preparations in the region and Trump’s public reluctance to immediately launch a broader offensive has left uncertainty over Washington’s next move against Tehran.
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