The missile strikes that hit US air bases in Al Asad and Erbil in Iraq sparked conflicting reports regarding American casualties. While the United States Government stated that there were no American casualties, Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 “American terrorists” were killed in the attacks. The report also alleged severe damage to US helicopters and military equipment.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the missile strikes as a “slap in the face” to the US in a live broadcast on state television. However, an official from the United States Pentagon refuted the Iranian report, suggesting that the missiles were deliberately aimed to miss Americans. This assertion seemed to influence President Donald Trump’s tweet reassuring the public that “all is well.”
President Trump’s tweet read, “So far so good, all is well. Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well-equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”