"I think our steps were very prudent and we've put on hold the potential for attacks on Americans," Shanahan told reporters. "There will be painful consequences for everybody (if) there is an escalation against Iran, that's for sure," he said," Zarif told CNN. Democrats, who requested the briefing to lawmakers, criticized Iran but said its actions were in line with predicted responses to Trump's moves. "I think it would be absolute lunacy for the United States to get involved in another war right now in the Middle East. -Trump stoked the fire on Sunday in a tweet in which he warned: "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran."

Source: Bangkok Post May 21, 2019 15:45 UTC