Iran Missile Attack: Was Zero Casualties Targeted from the Start? ...Pre-Notification Rumors Emerge

Satellite image of Ain Al-Asad Airbase attacked by Iranian missiles [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Despite Iran firing at least 12 missiles at U.S. military bases in Iraq, it has been reported that there were no casualties, including among U.S. troops, raising questions about whether Iran truly intended to retaliate. While it was explained that the U.S. confirmed the missile launches in advance through its own intelligence and evacuated soldiers, there are even theories that the lack of casualties was due to the inaccuracy of the Iranian missiles.

On the 8th (local time), President Donald Trump stated in a national address, "There were no U.S. casualties, all soldiers are safe, and the military bases suffered minimal damage," adding, "Thanks to preventive measures, military dispersion, and early warning systems, there were no casualties among U.S. and allied forces." Allied forces deployed alongside the U.S., including Denmark and Norway, also announced that there were no casualties. Earlier, Iranian state media reported that 15 ballistic missiles were launched at two U.S. military bases in Iraq, Al Asad and Erbil, claiming that 80 U.S. soldiers had died.

Various claims have emerged regarding why there were no U.S. casualties despite Iran's ballistic missile attacks. The U.S. side emphasizes that the absence of casualties was due to the U.S. military's early warning system. General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a briefing after Iran's missile attack, "The intent was to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles, equipment, and aircraft, and kill personnel," adding, "Thanks to the efficiency of the U.S. early warning system and defensive procedures, no lives were lost."

The New York Times (NYT) also reported that U.S. military intelligence closely monitored the movements of Iran's missile units prior to the ballistic missile attack and was aware in advance that an attack would occur. According to the NYT, key White House national security aides began gathering in the situation room about three hours before the Iranian attack. This aligns with President Trump's statement that the U.S. detected Iran's airstrike through its own intelligence capabilities. Reports also indicated that the U.S. early warning system is applied to North Korea as well. The British BBC cited experts in its report that day, stating, "Just as Iran is being monitored, North Korea is also being watched closely."

There are also theories that Iran notified Iraq of the attack plans in advance. It is suggested that Iran gave prior notice to seek an exit strategy. On the 8th (local time), CNN cited an Arab diplomatic source reporting that Iraq received information from Iran and gave the U.S. prior warning about which bases would be attacked. Earlier, the Iraqi Prime Minister's office stated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard verbally informed Iraqi Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi just before the missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq. However, it was added that there was no specific information about which bases would be targeted.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.