US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Tel Aviv, has opened up about Israel’s attack on Iran on Friday. In an interview with Reuters, he said he knew about the attack in advance.
“We knew everything,” Trump said. “I wanted to save Iran from humiliation and destruction. I tried very hard. Because I wanted a deal.”
According to the US President, there is still a chance to make a deal. He said, ‘It’s not too late.’
Trump said he had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone the strike. He wanted the issue (the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program) to be resolved diplomatically, although he also threatened to attack Iran if negotiations failed.
Trump also described the Israeli attack as “great” and “very successful.” He said the attack was part of his strategy. On the one hand, he speaks openly and directly, while on the other hand, he continues to negotiate behind the scenes.
Trump has supported Israeli military action to stop Tehran’s nuclear program, but some US allies have called for restraint.
Asked whether the United States would stand with Israel, Trump said he supported Israel, but did not say whether the attack could lead to war in the Middle East.
“We are very close to Israel. We are their greatest ally,” Trump said. “Let’s see what happens.”
Meanwhile, two US officials said yesterday that the United States helped Tel Aviv shoot down Iranian missiles heading towards Israel.
Israel’s operation in Iran has been named ‘Operation Rising Lion’. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the operation was launched to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons. They see Iran’s acquisition of nuclear capabilities as a major threat. The operation will continue as long as this threat exists.
The attack on Iran began at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. The country’s media reported that explosions could be heard in several residential areas of Tehran and in the northeastern part of the city. The Natanz nuclear facility, 225 kilometers from Tehran, was also attacked. Israel has claimed to have destroyed dozens of Iranian radars and air defense systems that day.
About 200 Israeli warplanes took part in Thursday night’s strikes, said Brigadier General Effin Defrin, a spokesman for the country’s military. He said more than 100 targets in eight cities were hit.
Later yesterday, Iranian media outlet Noornews reported that 78 people were killed and 329 injured in an Israeli attack on a residential area in Tehran. Six nuclear scientists were among the dead.
Israel also attacked several areas in northwestern Iran, including the city of Tabriz, on Sunday evening. Explosions were heard near Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported. Later, Iranian state media said they had shot down two Israeli warplanes.
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