Currents News Staff
With tensions already high between the two countries, Iran shot down a U.S. military drone under claims that the aircraft was in Iranian airspace.
“I find it hard to believe it was intentional, if you want to know the truth. I think it could’ve been somebody that was loose and stupid,” said President Trump, who believes the downing of the unmanned drone by Iran could have been an error.
The Pentagon has released a video of the incident, saying that the strike indicates otherwise.
“Obviously, you know, we’re not going to be talking too much about it. You’ll find out,” said Trump on whether the U.S. plans a response.
“This was an unprovoked attack on a U.S. surveillance asset that had not violated Iranian airspace at any time during its mission,” said General Joseph Guastella, Commander at the U.S. Air Force’s Central Command.
The incident adds to recent volatility. The U.S. also blamed Iran for last week’s attacks on oil tankers in the gulf of oman.
On June 17, the Trump administration decided to send an additional 1,000 troops to the Middle East.
Leaders on Capitol Hill have been eyeing the situation carefully.
“We have to be strong and strategic about how we protect our interests,” explained Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “We also cannot be reckless in what we do.”
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he spoke with President Trump on June 20.
“I would encourage forceful action to stop this behavior before it leads to a wider conflict. Doing nothing has its own consequence,” he said.
Congressional leaders were invited to the White House for a briefing on Iran on June 20 in the afternoon.