WASHINGTON, June 13 (Alliance News): Former US President Donald Trump revealed in an interview with Fox News on Friday that he had prior knowledge of Israel’s large-scale air strikes on Iran, stating emphatically that “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb” and expressing hope for a return to diplomatic talks.
The remarks came hours after Israel launched a major offensive on over 100 targets in Iran, including key nuclear and military installations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Natanz atomic facility was among the sites hit.
Iranian state media reported the deaths of top military figures, including Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli strikes as a “crime” and vowed severe retaliation. “The Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate,” he said, warning that the “powerful arm” of Iran’s armed forces would respond.
As tensions surge, Trump reiterated that the United States was not directly involved in the strikes, though he confirmed that a key regional ally was informed in advance. “We want diplomacy, but we are also prepared to defend our interests and allies,” he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this position, clarifying, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He warned Tehran against targeting US personnel or assets.
A National Security Council meeting was scheduled for Friday morning to evaluate the escalating crisis.
In Europe, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for restraint from both Israel and Iran, urging a return to diplomacy. The UK has reportedly chosen not to engage militarily in defense of Israel in this instance, unlike its limited intervention last October. Neither the Foreign Office nor the Ministry of Defence issued an official comment on the UK’s role in the current standoff.
Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned the Israeli air raids, calling them “unjustified and illegitimate.” The Foreign Office termed the strikes a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law, and affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter.
With the region on edge and global powers urging calm, the Middle East stands at a critical juncture amid fears of broader conflict.
