President Donald Trump revealed he had prior knowledge of Israel's preemptive military strikes against Iran before they were executed. The military operation targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several top Iranian military commanders, raising tensions in the Middle East.
According to Fox News, Trump told the network's chief political anchor Bret Baier that he was aware of Israel's planned strikes on Iran beforehand, stating there were "no surprises" when the operation unfolded. The president has maintained frequent communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days.
During his conversation with Baier, Trump emphasized his position on Iran's nuclear ambitions, declaring, "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 in Iran that will not be coming back."
The Israeli military operation resulted in significant casualties among Iran's military leadership. Three of Iran's top military commanders were killed during the precision strikes that targeted military installations across the country.
Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami was among those killed, along with Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and Commander of Iran's Emergency Command Gholam-Ali Rashid. These losses represent a major blow to Iran's military command structure.
The Trump administration reportedly reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to inform them that the strike would occur while clarifying that the United States was not directly involved in the operation. This communication strategy appears designed to maintain diplomatic channels while supporting Israel's security objectives.
Israeli forces deployed approximately 200 fighter jets in the coordinated assault on Iran. The operation targeted and destroyed dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers, significantly degrading Iran's air defense capabilities.
Several nuclear facilities were also struck during the operation, though specific details about damage to Iran's nuclear program remain unclear. The scale of the assault represents one of the largest Israeli military operations against Iran in recent history.
Iran responded by launching approximately 100 drones toward Israel hours after the initial strikes. Israeli defense forces indicated they were working to intercept these retaliatory attacks, highlighting the continued risk of escalation between the two nations.
The military strikes have complicated ongoing diplomatic initiatives between the United States and Iran. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his team had scheduled negotiations with Iranian counterparts in Oman for Sunday, but Iran has now signaled its intention to withdraw from these talks.
President Trump expressed hope that Iran would return to negotiations despite the recent hostilities. His administration has been attempting to forge a diplomatic solution to tensions with Iran while simultaneously preparing for potential military contingencies.
In recent weeks, the United States has replenished Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, underscoring American commitment to Israeli security. Trump noted that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) remains on high alert for any further escalation in the region.
President Trump stated that he is closely watching for any retaliatory actions from Iran following the Israeli strikes. He affirmed that the United States stands ready to defend both itself and Israel should Iran launch additional attacks.
The president is scheduled to attend a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning to assess the situation and determine appropriate responses to the evolving crisis. This meeting will likely evaluate intelligence regarding Iran's military capabilities and intentions.
The strikes and subsequent drone attacks highlight the volatile nature of Middle East security dynamics. With key Iranian military leaders eliminated and nuclear facilities damaged, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern for U.S. policymakers and regional allies.
