Thread by @HalaJaber

Corrected: BREAKING: #Iran #IRGC announce it has fired ballistic missiles from Iranian territories, at the #US #Ain_alAssad military base, the second largest #American military base in #Iraq.

.2/ The #IRGC warns the #US from responding ”which will be met with a larger response, ” according to #Almanar tv.

.3/ The surface to surface missiles were apparently fired from #Eslam_abad, western #Iran, says #AlManar tv.

.4/ #IRGC statement also warns that any country in the region, with #American military bases, which allows the #US to launch counterattacks from these bases will also be targetted by #Iran.

.5/ In other words, #Iran is warning #Gulf States & nearby countries with #American bases, that they too will become ”legitimate” targets, if they permit #US warplanes or missile launchers, to take off or be launched from their countries.

.6/ It appears that #Iran launched it’s response to coincide with the exact timing of when both #Soleimani & #Muhansis were assassinated, i.e. 1:20 a.m local time.

.7/ Sources tell @AlMayadeenLive that the #US wing/section of #AinAlAsad came under heavy missile attacks.

.8/ To be honest, despite all the threats & the counter threats over the last few days & all the analysis & discussions, no one predicted or believed #Iran’s response will come so quick & surprising.
Iran, seems to have also timed it as #Soleimani’s funeral came to an end.

.8/ Oil prices surge over 3..5% following #Iran reprisal attack.

.9/ Barrel of oil price jumps to over 4.5% following #Iran’s ballistic missile reprisal attack.

.9/ #IRGC warning being repeated:
”Any country used as a launchoad for (#US) attacks against #Iran will become a target.

10./ 5 missile were also apparently also fired against #AlTaji #US military base in #Iraq.

.11/ Iranian reports according to @AlMayadeenLive saying that
#AyatollahKhamenei was in the control centre cordinating attacks.

.2/ #Iranian TV report that the missiles uses against the #US military bases are of the #Qiyam and #Thu_AlFiqar type.

.12/ According to #IRGC, the tarmac in #AinAlAssad was hit & a #US military aircraft destroyed.

.13/ #Iran sends message to the #UN General Secretary saying it does not seek war & warns of any ”military adventures” against it.

.14/ Seems that @realDonaldTrump won’t be adressing the nation tonight after all.

.14/ SIGNIFICANT:
In fact, the #Iranian reprisals came just short hours before #Soleimani’s remains was finally laid to rest.
His remains are literally NOW (dawn prayer time) being laid to rest and buried in the martyrs cemetery in his hometown #Kerman.

.15/ Iranian #IRGC commander, tonight’s reprisal attack is just phase one in plan to drive #US presence out of region.

.16/ Advisor to #Iran’s President reiterates: ”Any American military move against Iran will result in a large-scale war in the region.”

.17/ In the meantime, @JZarif says:
”We do not seek escalation, but we will defend ourselves against any aggression.”

.18/ @JZarif’s tweet:

https://twitter.com/jzarif/status/1214736614217469953?s=21

https://twitter.com/jzarif/status/1214736614217469953

.18/ :BREAKING: #Iran's media reporting that a #Ukrainian passenger #Boeing plane, en route to #Kiev with 180 onboard, has crashed near Imam #Khomeini Airport just after take off.

.19/ Can tonight be over #already without anymore dramatic events. 🤦‍♀️

.19/ Senior official in Ayatollah #Kahmeini’s office says: ”tonight’s targets, were the simplest (selected) from the list of response target scenarios, ” that #Iran had prepared.

.20/ That time when the trolls begin to creep & crawl out.
Done for the night or what’s left of it. Hopefully the world is still standing in a few hours & peace prevails.
G’nite/morning y’all.

.20/ First official footage released by #Iran’s state TV, showing missiles launched at military bases housing #US forces in #Iraq. Via
@Iran_NewsRoom

https://twitter.com/iran_newsroom/status/1214854964742369285?s=21

https://twitter.com/iran_newsroom/status/1214854964742369285

.21/ #Iraq’s PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi said in a statement, that just after midnight, #Iran sent a verbal message informing them it will be carrying out strikes against bases housing #US forces in #Iraq.

.22/ #Iraq PM: informed that the strikes are in response to #Soleimani’s assasination & will be limited to bases with #US forces.
Bases were not identified.

.23/ #Iraq PM: within the same time the #US contacted them to say that missiles were raining down on #AinAlAssad & #Hareer bases in #Erbil.

.24/ #Iraq PM: #Iraqi military leadership immediately informed to take precautions on bases & PM confirms there are no casualties on the Iraqi side.

.25/ #Iraqi PM, has not received any official info of #US casualties.
Since attacks begun he continue to be in communication with various sides, urging all to contain & deescalate situ & avoid dragging region into an open war, in which #Iraq will be the 1st to pay a price.

.26/ #Iran’s FM @JZarif says that the #AinAlAssad military base was selected as a target, because it was the base that participated & was involved in #Soleimani’s assasination.

.27/ #Iran’s prior warning to #Iraq, was in respect of their sovereignty, says @JZarif.
One can argue, definitely more than the #US has shown #Iraq, which carried out a major extrajudicial assasination there.

.28/ #US President #Trump stands down & tells #UK, #Germany, #France, #Russia and #China to break away from the 2015 #Iran nuclear deal.

.29/ #Trump confirms the #US will impose additional sanctions on #Iran after the #Iraqattacks, says no #US troop casualties. He portrays latest events as a victory.

.30/ #Trump claimed victory by suggesting #Iran “is standing down”.
Given his threatening tweets in the last few days, I think the opposite is more accurate.
Either way, it does appear that both sides intend to deescalate & #Iran’s message last night has been received.

.31/ Despite his blustery, #Trump still seeks to be the leader who initiates peace with #Iran.
“To the people &leaders of #Iran: We want you to have a future, one of prosperity at home & harmony with the nations of the world.The US is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it."