Trump Thanks Tehran: A Curious Message of Gratitude After Iranian Strike on U.S. Base

According to Saed News, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a series of statements following Iran’s missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar — but instead of escalating rhetoric, his message was laced with restraint, minimisation, and even gratitude.

Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump characterised Iran’s retaliatory missile launch — in response to the earlier U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities — as “very weak,” asserting that the American military had “expected” it and “effectively countered” the attack.

“Of the 14 missiles fired,” Trump wrote, “13 were intercepted. The one that wasn’t was left alone, as it posed no threat.” He went on to stress that “no Americans were harmed” and “virtually no damage” was sustained, framing the incident as a controlled exchange rather than a dramatic escalation.

But it was his next comment that drew particular attention: “I want to thank Iran for the early warning that ensured no lives were lost.” Though no official confirmation from Tehran has corroborated such coordination, the message appeared to signal an attempt to de-escalate through backchannel diplomacy, or at the very least, to paint the situation in terms of manageable conflict.

Trump further called for an end to the Iran-Israel conflict, stating, “Perhaps now Iran can move towards peace and regional harmony — and I encourage Israel to do the same.” In a separate message, he extended appreciation to Qatar’s Emir for what he described as “ongoing efforts for peace,” adding that neither U.S. nor Qatari personnel were injured in the strike on Qatari soil.

Trump’s messaging — a mix of assertiveness, political theater, and selective optimism — appears aimed at defusing tensions without appearing weak to domestic or international audiences. His tone contrasts sharply with the more hawkish responses from both Israeli leadership and members of his own administration.

Whether his statements reflect genuine behind-the-scenes coordination, strategic messaging, or a bid to reframe himself as a peacemaker ahead of a contentious election season remains unclear. But what is evident is that Trump is attempting to control the narrative: one in which the United States remains militarily dominant, diplomatically nimble, and largely unscathed.