Trump opts for restraint after Iran's ineffective missile strike

President Trump has just pulled the ultimate power move, choosing restraint over retaliation after Iran's feeble missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar.

Following a U.S. strike that obliterated Iran's nuclear ambitions and a subsequent failed counterattack by Tehran, Trump is signaling a pivot toward de-escalation and peace talks in the Middle East.

Let’s rewind to the start of this high-stakes chess game, beginning with Israel's initial strike on Iranian targets on June 13, setting the stage for a tense showdown.

Trump's strategic strike on nuclear sites

On Saturday night, the U.S., alongside Israel, unleashed a devastating blow, dropping 14 "bunker buster" bombs on Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility.

That same night, 30 Tomahawk missiles rained down on nuclear sites in Natanz and Isfahan, effectively gutting Iran’s nuclear program in one fell swoop.

Trump, ever the strategist, had hinted on Thursday at a two-week deliberation over such strikes, but this was a clever feint to keep adversaries guessing about the timing.

Iran's Missile Flop in Qatar

Fast forward to Monday, when Tehran, clearly rattled, fired 14 missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha, Qatar, in what they likely hoped would be a show of strength.

Thirteen of those missiles were intercepted, as Trump proudly noted on Truth Social, while the last was left to fizzle out harmlessly, as he quipped it was “set free” in a “nonthreatening direction.”

Turns out, Iran’s bark was worse than its bite, with no Americans harmed and barely a scratch on the base—hardly the comeback they envisioned.

Trump's Call for a Peaceful Resolution

“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done,” Trump declared, showcasing his knack for turning a crisis into a win.

But here’s the kicker: instead of escalating, he’s waving the olive branch, urging an end to hostilities now that Iran’s nuclear threat is kaput.

“Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE,” Trump stated, even thanking Iran for the heads-up that kept casualties at zero.

De-escalation as a Winning Strategy

“I want to encourage Israel to do the same,” he added, pushing for peace and harmony in a region too often torn by conflict.

This isn’t the first time Trump has played the restraint card—back in 2020, after Iran attacked the al-Asad airbase in Iraq following the elimination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, he held back when no American lives were lost.

“As long as it stands, Trump has no intention of retaliating for the ‘failed retaliation,’” a Pentagon source confirmed, while another insider noted, “the president is clearly heading toward a de-escalatory path that doesn’t involve plunging us into a forever war.” Well, isn’t that a refreshing change from the endless conflict drumbeat we often hear?