In speech delivered following missile attacks on two US military bases in Iraq, Trump said all American soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained the bases. He said Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani was a ruthless terrorist who had trained terrorist armies and launched terrorist strikes against civilian targets. Trump said Soleimani directed recent attacks on US personnel in Iraq and he orchestrated the violent assault on the US embassy in Baghdad. Trump said he believes Soleimani was planning new attacks on American targets before he was stopped by the US.

Trump called on all parties to work together on a new deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place.  He said peace and stability cannot prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment violence, unrest, hatred, and war.  He also asked NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East.  Trumped ended his speech by urging Iran to fight against the Islamic State and said he hopes for a brighter future for Iran’s leaders and people.