Last night, shortly after Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles toward US forces in retribution for the US assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani, Donald Trump tweeted that "all is well".
The following morning, he attempted to explain why he sees it this way.
Here are five key passages from a 10-minute speech that suggests, for the moment, a tense situation may be easing somewhat.
Retribution: Vengence/Revenge
We have emerged unscathed
"By removing Soleimani, we have sent a powerful message to terrorists: If you value your own life, you will not threaten the lives of our people."
Much of Trump's morning touted what had already been accomplished, not what was to come. He focused on establishing why Soleimani - the "world's top terrorist", he claimed - was a nefarious character who had long deserved the punishment Americans delivered.
Unscathed No causalities or injury
A grand entrance with a 2020 message
"As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon."
The president started his speech with a teaser, as it's called in the news business. Before even saying good morning, he started with a guarantee - a show of strength and a promise of security.
There were a lot of theatrical touches to the president's Tuesday morning appearance. He stood before a phalanx of stern-looking, award draped military leaders, flanked by senior members of his administration.The imagery of his entry into the room, his figure silhouetted against a blaze of light from an open window, bordered on the messianic. While his delivery was muted and short-of-breath - and the speech itself was a hodgepodge - pictures still carry punch in American politics
phalanx - A body of troops/soldiersflanked - be on one side ofsilhouetted - Outlinehodgepodge - Confused mixture
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