After Iran’s knife-edge missile strike Trump says “no more hate”

IT WAS THEATRE with ballistic missiles. On June 23rd Iran fired a salvo of 14 projectiles at al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which serves as the regional headquarters for America’s central command. The barrage was Iran’s first act of retaliation against America for its strikes, one day earlier, on Iranian nuclear facilities. It was clearly intended to avoid casualties and thus allow Donald Trump, America’s president, to avoid any further response of his own. Following the attack Mr Trump stated that it was “a very weak response” but added “I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice” and “perhaps Iran can now proceed to peace”. A short time later he announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire that would start in the coming hours. The fighting could soon be over—for now.