We knew everything, still hopes for nuclear deal: Trump on Israel's Iran strikes
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that his administration had advance knowledge of Israel's strikes on Iran, calling the raids 'excellent' and 'very successful' while insisting that it's still 'not too late' for Tehran to return to the negotiating table on its nuclear program.'We knew everything,' Trump told Reuters in a phone interview, referring to Israel's air campaign that targeted key Iranian nuclear and military facilities. 'I tried to save Iran humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out.'advertisementDespite months of urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay an attack to allow time for diplomacy, Trump expressed full support for Israel's decision to act.
'We've been very close to Israel. We're their number one ally by far,' the president said, emphasizing Washington's backing while also appearing unfazed by the risk of wider war. 'We'll see what happens,' he added when asked about the potential for regional escalation.While Israeli fighter jets bombed Iran's Natanz nuclear complex, ballistic missile factories, and military headquarters in the largest Israeli air operation in recent history, Trump was quick to endorse the outcome. The offensive, named Operation Rising Lion, drew both praise and concern globally.'They can still work out a deal, however, it's not too late,' Trump reiterated, striking a diplomatic tone even as missiles lit up skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Iran's retaliatory attack.advertisementLater Friday, two senior US officials confirmed that American forces helped intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israeli targets.Despite growing fears of a broader Middle East war, Trump dismissed the notion that Israel's actions had destabilized the region. Instead, he emphasized strength and deterrence. 'We support Israel. Period,' one White House official said.(With inputs from Reuters)Tune InMust Watch
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