U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed gratitude to Iran for its “very weak response” following the reported destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States.
In a statement that has drawn widespread attention and criticism, Trump praised Iran’s restrained reaction, suggesting it was both expected and effectively managed.
According to Trump’s tweet, Iran fired 14 missiles in response to the U.S. strike. Of these, 13 were successfully intercepted, while one missile was allowed to pass because it was deemed non-threatening. Trump emphasized that no Americans were harmed, and minimal damage was reported. He also noted that Iran’s response appeared to have been subdued, which he attributed to their “system” being overwhelmed.
Trump went further to thank Iran for providing “early notice” of their response, claiming this foresight helped prevent casualties or injuries. He concluded his remarks with a call for peace and harmony in the region, urging Iran to move toward diplomacy and encouraging Israel to do the same.
The tweet has sparked significant debate, with many critics questioning the tone and substance of Trump’s comments. Some argue that praising Iran for a limited military response could be interpreted as an attempt to downplay tensions between the two nations. Others see it as part of Trump’s broader approach to foreign policy, which often prioritized direct engagement and unconventional methods over traditional diplomatic channels.
Iranian officials have not yet responded publicly to Trump’s remarks, but previous statements from Tehran have consistently condemned U.S. actions against its nuclear program as illegal and provocative. The situation underscores the complex dynamics between the United States and Iran, particularly amid ongoing efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of Trump’s comments remain uncertain. Whether they signal a potential shift in U.S.-Iran relations or are merely part of Trump’s characteristic style of communication remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on how Iran and other regional actors will react to this unexpected acknowledgment from the former U.S. president.
