President Trump has stated that Washington was aware of West Jerusalem’s “preemptive” strike on Iran but was not militarily involved.
In a phone call to Fox News, President Trump said the US will “defend itself and Israel” should Iran retaliate for West Jerusalem’s “preemptive” strikes. The network reported the remarks were made during a call with host Bret Baier on Friday morning.
Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they had attacked numerous targets in Iran, including military sites and the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation was intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iranian media outlets have reported that the strikes resulted in at least five deaths and 20 injuries in Tehran. The attack occurred just two days before the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
Trump told Fox News that he had spoken with Netanyahu several times recently and was aware of the planned strikes beforehand, saying “there were no surprises.” He emphasized that “the US was not involved militarily” and expressed his hope that Iran would resume negotiations.
Trump stated, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back,” seemingly referencing Iranian officials killed in the attacks.
Iranian media identified the deceased as IRGC commander Hossein Salami, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Gholam Ali Rashid, and nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi.
Trump added that he is watching to see if Iran will retaliate. The Iranian Army has condemned Israel’s “aggression” and warned that “a bitter lesson awaits Netanyahu.” Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared on Friday morning that Israel “should expect severe punishment.”
According to Fox News, Trump said, “CENTCOM is on high alert, the US will defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.”
The White House has not issued a statement regarding the phone call.
Prior to the strikes, Trump posted on Truth Social that the US “remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue.”
He posted on Thursday night, “My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.”
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