Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Jun 13: In the wake of Israel’s dramatic military action against Iran under Operation Rising Lion, former US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by revealing he had prior knowledge of the strikes. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see.”
The strikes, launched late Thursday, targeted key nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially confirmed the offensive through a video address, saying, “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions, while air-raid sirens sounded across Israeli cities amid fears of retaliation. The offensive is seen as one of Israel’s most direct attempts to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
While Trump acknowledged being aware of the operation beforehand, US officials have distanced Washington from the action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He warned Iran against targeting American interests, signaling concern over regional escalation.
Interestingly, mere hours before the Israeli attack, Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform emphasizing diplomacy. “We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.”
Trump’s admission has raised questions in diplomatic circles. While it’s not unusual for allies to share military intentions with close partners, his public disclosure and timing have sparked debate over whether the US tacitly supported the move or was merely informed as a courtesy.
US intelligence and foreign policy analysts caution that such revelations could complicate Washington’s position, especially if Iran interprets them as a green light from the US. The Biden administration, currently silent on Trump’s remarks, is reportedly assessing the implications for broader Middle East stability.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified over Iran’s controversial nuclear program, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes. However, Israeli intelligence continues to flag growing uranium enrichment as a direct threat. The latest strike appears to be a calculated escalation to degrade Iran’s capabilities and reset deterrence.
While Iran has not officially responded, military analysts expect Tehran to retaliate, either directly or through proxies in the region, potentially widening the conflict.
With Trump hinting at possible negotiations and Israel taking a militaristic stand, the future of Middle East diplomacy hangs in balance. The coming days are expected to witness intense international dialogue to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown regional war.