Iran Responds to US Strikes, But Chooses Diplomacy?
Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar early Monday in retaliation for a US airstrike on three of its nuclear facilities last weekend. The base is home to US Central Command in the Middle East. The strikes caused no damage, as the missiles were intercepted and the base had been evacuated.
The Iranian government called the strikes a “proportionate and decisive” response, but they were largely symbolic. The IRNA news agency said the number of missiles fired was equal to the number of bombs dropped by the US, and Iran said it had no intention of harming Qatar, which it called a friendly country. The move was seen as a signal that Iran did not want to escalate the conflict.
US Vice President JD Vance said the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities had stopped it from enriching uranium for weapons. He said that if Iran tried to rebuild its nuclear program, it would face a “very powerful” US military. However, the US viewed the Iranian missile strikes as more of a show of force than a serious threat.
Just hours after the strikes, President Donald Trump declared a complete ceasefire between Iran and Israel. The deal is seen as a major diplomatic move that could end the 12-day conflict. Many observers say Iran is sending a message that it is choosing to ease tensions and open up space for peace.
Source: Newsmaker
