Kumar Bahukhandi
Donald Trump has issued a statement regarding the alleged destruction of five US aircraft amidst the conflict with Iran. (Photo: AFP)
Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, reports emerged suggesting that US refueling aircraft sustained damage during an Iranian missile attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. However, refuting these reports as false, Donald Trump stated that four of the aircraft suffered virtually no damage and have already returned to service, while the fifth is currently undergoing repairs. Trump also announced that several nations would deploy warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, adding that action would be taken against Iranian vessels if deemed necessary.
Amid the rising tensions between the US and Iran, reports circulated claiming that five US Air Force refueling aircraft were destroyed during an Iranian missile attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, located in Saudi Arabia. According to a report by an international newspaper, the aircraft were parked on the ground during the recent attack when they were struck by missiles. It was reported that while the aircraft sustained damage, they were not completely destroyed and are currently undergoing repairs. There have been no reports of any casualties resulting from this attack.
Donald Trump Calls Report False
According to the news agency Reuters, US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports claiming that US tanker aircraft were severely damaged during the incident at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Various media outlets had previously reported that these aircraft suffered heavy damage as a result of the Iranian missile attack.
Trump Says: Aircraft Were Not Destroyed
Writing on a social media platform, Trump acknowledged that an attack on the base did indeed take place a few days ago; however, he asserted that the aircraft were neither directly targeted nor destroyed. He stated that four out of the five aircraft sustained virtually no damage and have since returned to active service. The fifth aircraft sustained slightly more significant damage, but it too is expected to be ready for flight operations very soon. Several Countries to Send Warships to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open: Trump
US President Donald Trump has stated that, alongside the United States, several other countries will dispatch their warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. He expressed hope that nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would also deploy their vessels to the region to safeguard the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Warning of Action Against Iranian Boats
Trump warned that, if necessary, the United States would launch massive bombardments against coastal areas and target and destroy Iranian boats and vessels present in the sea. He asserted that the US military would continue to undertake such actions to ensure the safety of maritime routes.
Claim to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Soon
Trump declared that, by any means necessary, the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened very shortly. This maritime route is considered critically important to the world, as a significant portion of the global oil supply passes through it.
