In a new interview with Time magazine, Presiden Trump downplayed Iran’s attack on two oil tankers calling it “very minor”:
Exclusive: President Trump calls alleged Iranian attack on oil tankers "very minor" https://t.co/rWGxRy2Agi
— TIME (@TIME) June 18, 2019
Money quotes from the article:
“I would certainly go over nuclear weapons,” the president said when asked what moves would lead him to consider going to war with Iran, “and I would keep the other a question mark.”
And:
Last week, U.S. officials blamed Iran for attacks against Norwegian and Japanese oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Trump described those and other recent attacks attributed by administration officials to Iran as limited. “So far, it’s been very minor,” Trump told TIME.
As Time notes in its subhead, the President “struck a different tone than other Republicans,” like Sen. Tom Cotton this morning:
Iran’s unprovoked attacks deserve retaliatory response —@SenTomCotton to me just now.
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) June 18, 2019
Also on Monday, the Pentagon released new photos that show Iran was behind the attack:
#BREAKING Latest images from US military show better view of what appears to be Iran #IRGC on fast attack craft approaching damaged tanker, removing limpet mine. Damage appears to be clearly made by limpet mine, weapon used by #Iran in past. pic.twitter.com/i6PNQgGUGX
— Carla Babb (@CarlaBabbVOA) June 17, 2019
And as the President mentioned to Time, he considers Iran’s recent move to increased its uranium stockpile as a different issue than the tanker attacks:
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“Iran to defy Uranium Stockpile Limits”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2019
And the Pentagon is sending more troops to the region:
NEW: The U.S. is sending a thousand more troops to the Middle East to counter threats posed by #Iran.
Acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan said Monday the soldiers will be deployed for "defensive purposes" against possible threats from Iran.
— 93 WIBC Indianapolis (@93wibc) June 18, 2019
More from Acting Def. Sec. Pat Shanahan:
1 of 4: In response to @CENTCOM's request for add'l forces, & w/the advice of the Chairman @TheJointStaff & in consultation w/the @WhiteHouse, I have authorized approx 1,000 add’l troops for defensive purposes to address air, naval, & ground-based threats in the Middle East.
— Acting SecDef Pat Shanahan (@ActingSecDef) June 17, 2019
2 of 4: The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behavior by Iranian forces & their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel & interests across the region.
— Acting SecDef Pat Shanahan (@ActingSecDef) June 17, 2019
3 of 4: The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. The action today is being taken to ensure the safety & welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region & to protect our national interests.
— Acting SecDef Pat Shanahan (@ActingSecDef) June 17, 2019
4 of 4: We will continue to monitor the situation diligently & make adjustments to force levels as necessary given intelligence reporting & credible threats.
— Acting SecDef Pat Shanahan (@ActingSecDef) June 17, 2019
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Related:
Rep. Ilhan Omar’s answer to mounting Iranian aggression: reinstate the Iran nuclear deal https://t.co/gkanF24Xyu pic.twitter.com/aomChXrb1A
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) June 18, 2019
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