"Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered. There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was 'set free,' because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE. I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

What is the purpose of conducting such a charade? Nobody was fooled. The good news, as Scott Jennings has aptly pointed out, is that this essentially represents a “complete and total capitulation” by Iran… The Iranians wanted to “save face” by firing off some missiles, but they also apparently wanted an exit ramp. Thankfully, President Trump was quite eager to offer them one.