U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 13th that he was aware of Israel’s airstrike on Iran in advance. He also emphasized that the U.S. was not directly involved in the airstrike and expressed hope for the resumption of nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Trump stated during an interview with Fox News' chief political correspondent Bret Baier that he was aware of Israel’s plans to airstrike Iran before it occurred and added, “There was nothing surprising about it.”
He continued, “Iran must not have nuclear bombs, and we hope to return to the negotiating table.”
However, pointing out that many key leaders of the Iranian military have been lost due to the Israeli airstrikes, he said, “It seems that several leaders will not be coming back, so let’s wait and see.”
In recent days, Trump has had several conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Before the airstrike, the Trump administration informed at least one key Middle Eastern ally that an airstrike would take place. However, the U.S. has emphasized multiple times that it was not involved in the airstrike.
Trump is reportedly monitoring the possibility of retaliatory attacks. According to Fox News, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has entered a heightened state of alert.
Trump stated, “If Iran retaliates, we are prepared to defend both the U.S. and Israel.”