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May 16, 2019

Trump Officials Claim Photos of Iranian Missile Boats Sparked Tensions
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Trump administration officials said Wednesday that photographs showing
Iranian boats equipped with missiles were the cause of the recent
escalation between the U.S. and Iran, claiming they were evidence that
Iranian paramilitaries in the Persian Gulf were preparing to target U.S.
naval vessels. The New York Times cited three unnamed officials who made
the claim, which widely contradicts other officials - including
Europeans, Iraqis, members of both parties in Congress and some Trump
administration officials - who reportedly said the missiles are likely
defensive weapons.


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