U.S. President Donald Trump today confirmed to Fox News that he was aware of Israel’s intentions to conduct strikes on Iran before they occurred, while concurrently reaffirming that Tehran “cannot have a nuclear bomb.” His remarks follow a series of Israeli air raids on Iran early Friday, reportedly targeting approximately 100 sites, including both nuclear and military facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation specifically targeted the atomic facility in Natanz. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the leader of the country’s Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, and armed forces Chief of Staff, Mohammad Bagheri, were killed in the strikes.
Speaking to Fox News, President Trump acknowledged his foreknowledge of the Israeli operation. He reiterated his administration’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see.” Fox News also reported that President Trump underscored the U.S. readiness to defend itself and Israel should Iran undertake retaliatory measures.
The Trump administration reportedly reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to acknowledge the impending strike, while consistently reiterating that the United States was not directly involved in the military action. On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified, “The United States was not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He further issued a stern warning: “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
President Trump is scheduled to attend a National Security Council meeting Friday morning, indicating ongoing high-level attention to the escalating situation in the Middle East.
