President Donald Trump is calling for the U.S. and other oil-producing economies to pump more oil as crude prices remain volatile following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The White House is also sharpening its warning to Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping lane, in retaliation for the U.S. carrying out strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Trump in a social media posting wrote, "To the Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!!" He made his call hours before Iran launched attacks on U.S. forces at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, its first act of direct retaliation against the U.S. after the American strikes. A U.S. defense official says no injuries were reported in the attack.
By DAVID RISING, JON GAMBRELL and MELANIE LIDMAN Associated Press
Updated
Iran launched a limited missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites but indicating it was prepared to step back from escalating tensions in the volatile region. U.S. officials reported no casualties. Qatar condemned the attack Monday on Al Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Iran said the attack matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas. Those comments suggested Iran wanted to de-escalate with the United States.
