Trump Thanks Iran for Early Warning and Calls for End to War with Israel

Former President Donald Trump thanked Iran on Monday for providing "early notice" of its retaliatory missile strike and called for an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Why it matters: Trump’s remarks, posted on his Truth Social platform, came three hours after Iran targeted Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response to the unprecedented U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. In his post, Trump described Iran’s response as "very weak," signaling he does not intend to retaliate and further entangle the U.S. in the war.

A White House official told Axios that Trump’s current goal is to end the war, and he plans to make this clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We want a deal and don’t want any more war," the official said.

Latest developments: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted on his English-language X account: "Those who know the Iranian people and their history know that the Iranian nation isn’t a nation that surrenders."

Background: Iran had been in contact with Qatar prior to the attack on Al-Udeid, and the Trump administration was aware of the threat in advance, a source familiar with the matter told Axios.

"I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured," Trump wrote.

The limited missile strike followed an extraordinary U.S. operation against three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, which had raised fears that American military assets in the region could be targeted.

Reading between the lines: It remains unclear whether the attack on Al-Udeid represents the full extent of Iran’s retaliation. A statement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council noted that the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs the U.S. dropped on its nuclear facilities. This, along with Iran’s coordination with Qatar to minimize casualties, suggests Tehran may be open to de-escalation.

What they’re saying: "Iran has officially responded to our obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"Fourteen missiles were fired—13 were intercepted, and one was 'allowed through' because it was headed in a non-threatening direction. I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done," he continued.

Trump claimed that Iran has "gotten it all out of their system" and expressed hope that there would be "no further HATE."

"Perhaps Iran can now move toward Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same," he concluded.

Current situation: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir told Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday that the military is very close to achieving all its war objectives, according to two Israeli officials.

Zamir said the IDF only needs a few more days to complete operations in Iran and end the war, clarifying that regime change is not an explicit priority. The IDF declined to comment further.

Israel’s security cabinet convened Monday night (local time) for a briefing on the war and to discuss next steps. A senior Israeli official said the key question is whether Iran will halt its attacks on Israel or continue launching missiles in a war of attrition.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters that the massive strikes in Tehran on Monday were meant to send "a clear message to the Iranian regime" to stop its missile attacks on Israel.