Donald Trump claims victory as Iran ‘stands down’ & warns its ‘campaign of terror’ is over after revenge missile strike
DONALD Trump pulled back from the brink of a new Gulf war last night after Iran launched a fake revenge missile blitz.
The US President ruled out a further tit-for-tat response after no US, British or coalition partner deaths were reported from a flimsy “face-saving” attack on two military bases in Iraq.
He warned Iran its days of "terror and murder" are over while boasting about his country's top secret hypersonic missile system and imposing further sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Trump let rip during a no-nonsense live TV address from the White House hours after Tehran fired 22 ballistic missiles at the US's Asad and Erbil air bases in Iraq.
He blasted: "The civilised world must send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime, your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer.
"Nations have tolerated Iran's destructive and destabilising behaviour in the region and beyond. Those days are over."
Trump later chillingly added “our missiles are big and powerful and accurate...and lethal” while revealing his military was now developing new super-fast rockets.
"Under construction are many hypersonic missiles," he continued. "The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it."
The US President then told the waiting media Tehran appeared to be "standing down" amid fears of a new world war.
He added: “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world.
“An early warning system worked well and no American or Iraqi lives were lost.
“The United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime. These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour.”
Your campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer
Trump to the Iranian regime
Iran had vowed bloody revenge for the US drone attack that killed its top military figure, Major General Qasem Soleimani, on Friday.
Instead, its powder puff response ensured its leaders were seen to be tough at home but was carefully targeted to avoid stirring a more deadly backlash from the US.
It claimed it used short-range Fateh-110 missiles but analysts said wreckage showed the longer-range Qiam 1 version was deployed. Several missed their targets by miles or failed to explode, with the remains of one found near Duhok — 70 miles from Erbil.
US radar and Patriot defensive missile early warning systems also detected the incoming rockets and sirens were sounded minutes before a string of harmless detonations.
Moreover, forces from Iraq, Finland and Lithuania revealed they were warned the missiles were coming and were able to take protective measures.
Iranian TV broadcast false claims that “at least 80 terrorist US soldiers” had died in the blitz.
In his address, Trump described last week's assassination of Soleimani as “decisive action to stop a ruthless terrorist”.
He said: “Last week we eliminated the world’s top terrorist.
"In recent days he was planning attacks on new American targets. He should have been terminated long ago."
Trump also called on the UK and the rest of Europe to break away from the crumbling Iran nuclear deal.
He added: "Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism.
"The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China to recognise this reality.
"They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal - or JCPOA - and we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place."
Despite the tough talk he said the US is still "ready to embrace peace with all who seek it".
The press conference came after Trump spoke on the phone to Boris Johnson to discuss calming the crisis.
"The PM underlined the importance of de-escalation to avoid further conflict" and "the need for a diplomatic solution" to the crisis, said a spokesman for the PM.
He earlier condemned Iran’s “reckless and dangerous” actions, while declaring Soleimani had “the blood of British troops on his hands”.
Our missiles are big and powerful and accurate...and lethal
Trump's warning to Tehran
Trump tweeted "all is well” after news of the shocking air onslaught first broke in the early hours of this morning.
He wrote: "Missiles launched from Iran targeted 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!”
Ten missiles hit the Asad air base, which houses US troops, one missile also hit a US military base in Erbil, and four missiles failed to hit their targets.
“In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners,” added the Pentagon.
“These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.
"As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region.”
Earlier Iran bragged it had given America a "slap in the face" following the brazen attacks.
Iran's state TV boasted the operation was named 'Martyr Soleimani' and was carried out in memory of the Revolutionary Guard leader killed last week in a US drone strike.
The coordinated attack was launched at 1.20am this morning - the exact time Soleimani was killed last Friday.
In his own public address, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described the strike as a "slap in the face" for Donald Trump's America.
He added that it was "not close to the significance of the brutal crime you have committed" by killing Soleimani, and that "real revenge will be to remove you from the region".