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Trump Says Most US Aircraft Hit in Saudi Base Attack Suffered Minimal Damage
President disputes early reports of heavy losses after Iranian strike on Saudi air base, saying most aircraft are already operational.
US President Donald Trump said that most American aircraft targeted in a recent Iranian missile strike on a military base in Saudi Arabia sustained little damage and have already returned to service, pushing back against early reports suggesting major losses.
The attack struck Prince Sultan Air Base, a key installation used by the United States in the Gulf region, as Iran continued retaliatory operations following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
According to US officials, several aerial refuelling tankers stationed at the base were hit during the missile barrage.
Trump said that while the base had indeed been targeted, the extent of damage to the aircraft had been overstated in some early reporting.
He stated that four of the five affected refuelling planes suffered only minimal damage and were quickly returned to operational status.
One aircraft sustained somewhat heavier damage but is expected to return to service after repairs.
The president emphasised that the aircraft were neither destroyed nor permanently disabled, portraying the incident as a limited tactical setback rather than a significant blow to US military capabilities in the region.
The strike forms part of a broader escalation across the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US facilities and allied infrastructure across several Gulf countries.
These attacks followed a wave of US and Israeli operations against Iranian military and strategic sites.
Regional tensions have also affected diplomatic and energy infrastructure.
In recent days, drones struck the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing a small fire and minor structural damage but no reported casualties.
Gulf states have intercepted additional drones targeting oil facilities and military installations.
Despite the continuing hostilities, US officials maintain that American forces remain fully capable of sustaining operations across the region.
Military analysts note that tanker aircraft such as the KC-135 are crucial for extending the range of combat aircraft and maintaining aerial operations over large distances.
Trump has repeatedly stressed that the United States retains overwhelming military strength and remains committed to protecting its forces and allies while continuing operations aimed at countering Iranian military capabilities.
The attack struck Prince Sultan Air Base, a key installation used by the United States in the Gulf region, as Iran continued retaliatory operations following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
According to US officials, several aerial refuelling tankers stationed at the base were hit during the missile barrage.
Trump said that while the base had indeed been targeted, the extent of damage to the aircraft had been overstated in some early reporting.
He stated that four of the five affected refuelling planes suffered only minimal damage and were quickly returned to operational status.
One aircraft sustained somewhat heavier damage but is expected to return to service after repairs.
The president emphasised that the aircraft were neither destroyed nor permanently disabled, portraying the incident as a limited tactical setback rather than a significant blow to US military capabilities in the region.
The strike forms part of a broader escalation across the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US facilities and allied infrastructure across several Gulf countries.
These attacks followed a wave of US and Israeli operations against Iranian military and strategic sites.
Regional tensions have also affected diplomatic and energy infrastructure.
In recent days, drones struck the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing a small fire and minor structural damage but no reported casualties.
Gulf states have intercepted additional drones targeting oil facilities and military installations.
Despite the continuing hostilities, US officials maintain that American forces remain fully capable of sustaining operations across the region.
Military analysts note that tanker aircraft such as the KC-135 are crucial for extending the range of combat aircraft and maintaining aerial operations over large distances.
Trump has repeatedly stressed that the United States retains overwhelming military strength and remains committed to protecting its forces and allies while continuing operations aimed at countering Iranian military capabilities.
