Iran Deliberately Refrained from Killing Americans

American and European sources have stated that Iran deliberately avoided causing casualties to the U.S. military during its missile attacks on American bases in Iraq. Reuters, citing Muqtada al-Sadr, reported that the crisis has ended.

On Wednesday, the 18th of Dey (January 8th), Reuters reported, citing U.S. and European officials, that Iran did not intend to kill American soldiers in retaliation for the killing of Qasem Soleimani in an American airstrike.

The news agency, citing three sources “close to intelligence agencies,” reported that Iran attempted to minimize casualties in its missile attacks and specifically refrained from killing American soldiers.

“One source” close to U.S. officials told Reuters that in the early hours of Wednesday there were indications that Iran’s attacks on Al-Asad and Erbil bases resulted in no casualties. Other sources refrained from commenting on this matter.

Reuters further reported, citing its sources, that Iran deliberately targeted sections of the bases where there were no personnel.

Another source told the news agency that the Iranians wanted to respond but avoid escalating tensions.

Reuters then referenced statements by Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Foreign Minister, who said that Iran would deliver a “proportionate response” to Soleimani’s killing but has no interest in war.

Trump’s Response

Reuters concluded its report by referencing the response of the United States President, a response that was notably calm. He wrote in a tweet that “all is well.”

On Wednesday afternoon, during a public statement on Iran that was broadcast live on television networks, Trump confirmed that no casualties occurred at the two Iraqi bases.

He also stated that Iran is backing down in its tension with the United States.

The U.S. President added: “Just because we have a great military and great equipment doesn’t mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it.”

While announcing that further sanctions against Iran would be imposed, Trump called for cooperation with the Islamic Republic in areas that serve the interests of both nations.

He clarified that the United States is ready to make peace with all those who seek peace.

“The Crisis Has Ended”

On Wednesday evening, Reuters reported, citing Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Iraqi Sadrist Movement, that “following statements from Tehran and the U.S. President,” the crisis has ended.

According to the news agency, Sadr called on militiamen to exercise restraint and refrain from armed operations.

On the 14th of Dey, Shia cleric al-Sadr had written in a message on the occasion of Soleimani’s killing that targeting Soleimani “by global arrogance” constitutes an attack on “jihad, resistance, and the spirit of international revolution,” “but they cannot weaken our resolve and our struggle.”

Shia cleric al-Sadr had ordered armed groups, “particularly the Mahdi Army and the Al-Yawm Al-Mawoud brigades,” to stand ready.

Source: DW