Trump Says Iran ‘Appears to Be Standing Down’ After Strikes on U.S. Bases in Iraq

WASHINGTON – Addressing the situation in the Middle-East a day after Iran struck at U.S. bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assasination of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, Donald Trump confirmed there had been no American casualties, and welcomed the fact Iran appeared to be "standing down."

Flanked by top ranking officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Defence Secretary Mark Esper, the U.S. President said Soleimani's demise was long overdue. 

“We stopped him," Trump said, after blaming the Revolutionary Guard commander for the deaths of hundred of Americans, and hinting he was planning new attacks. "His hands were drenched with blood. He should have been removed long ago,” Trump said. 

"All the way back to 1979, nations have tolerated Iran’s destructive behavior. Those days are over. Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, they threaten the civilized world," Trump went on. "Last week, we took decisive action… We eliminated the world’s top terrorist."