Trump approves, then cancels, Iran strikes after drone shot down: report
PTI, Jun 21, 2019, 12:45 PM IST
Washington: Donald Trump approved but then scrapped strikes against Iranian targets on Thursday, The New York Times reported, after Iran shot down a US drone in what the president termed a “big mistake.”
The US was planning to hit “a handful of Iranian targets, like radar and missile batteries” Thursday evening, the newspaper said, citing senior administration officials, but the plan was suddenly aborted in its early stages.
White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment, the Times said, and it was unclear whether there were plans for such strikes to go forward in the future.
Iran said earlier it had recovered parts of a US Global Hawk spy drone in its territorial waters after downing the aircraft in a missile strike, but the Pentagon says it was above international waters when it was hit.
“Iran made a very big mistake!” Trump tweeted, before later appearing to dial back tensions.
“I find it hard to believe it was intentional, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said. “I think that it could have been somebody who was loose and stupid that did it.” The president’s mixed message left the world unsure what Washington’s next move would be.
“You will find out,” Trump said, when asked about possible retaliation. “We don’t seek war, but will zealously defend our skies, land & waters,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Two persons injured in fight between Maldivians and Indians in the Maldives
International students in Canada will be allowed to work only 24 hours a week from September
RAW official was involved in assassination plot of Sikh separatist leader Pannun: Report
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar appointed as deputy prime minister
Elon Musk in Beijing amid efforts to promote Tesla’s autonomous driving tech
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Revanna case: BJP launches counter-attack on Congress, questions delayed action by Karnataka govt
‘Real observations’ of galaxies support existence of invisible dark matter: Study
Newly built Dr Ramdas M Pai Block inaugurated at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal
Ammonia gas leak triggers panic in Coimbatore
SC questions ED on timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, seeks its reply