Trump’s Reaction to Israeli Strikes on Iran
Following recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites, former US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Tehran. Praising the attacks as "excellent" and severe, Trump asserted that Iran has been hit harder than ever before, with more aggressive strikes looming.
On his social media platform, he taunted Iranian hardliners, claiming many are now dead as a result of the attacks. In interviews, he reiterated that key individuals in Iran’s leadership, particularly the hardliners he previously engaged with, have perished—insisting their deaths weren’t caused by illness but linked to these military actions.
Reaffirming Unwavering Support for Israel
Trump emphasized his steadfast backing of Israel, highlighting the recent attacks as "successful" and asserting that his administration’s support for Israel was unrivaled. This public stance reinforces his long-standing alliance with Israel amid escalating tensions in the region.
Extending a ‘Second Chance’ to Iran
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump suggested that diplomacy isn’t off the table. He claimed to have offered Iran multiple opportunities to negotiate a nuclear deal and expressed frustration over their inability to finalize an agreement. Yet, he also offered Iran a "second chance," warning that unless a deal is reached, future Israeli strikes could unleash even more devastating destruction.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly been liaising with Omani officials to salvage ongoing backchannel talks. Oman has traditionally acted as a mediator between the US and Iran. However, with Iran steadfast on maintaining uranium enrichment rights, talks face significant hurdles. Insider sources warn that progress toward a deal now appears "highly unlikely." Trump echoed this skepticism, suggesting Iran may be stalling intentionally.
Mixed Signals on Israeli Strikes and US Awareness
Earlier, Trump described a prospective nuclear agreement as "fairly close," cautioning that Israeli strikes might jeopardize it. He expressed reluctance toward escalating conflict but acknowledged the possibility of strikes being imminent. In a precautionary move, non-essential US personnel were evacuated from Iran citing regional dangers.
Trump initially claimed ignorance regarding Israel’s intentions to strike, but later admitted on Fox News that the US was forewarned and there were "no surprises." This contradicted statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stressed that Israel’s actions were unilateral and that the US was not involved in the strikes. Rubio also emphasized protecting American forces remained the administration’s top priority.
What Lies Ahead?
As tensions escalate, the possibility of increased military confrontations grows. Trump’s dual approach—combining support for Israel’s actions with an olive branch toward Iranian diplomacy—reflects the complex and precarious geopolitical landscape. Whether Iran will accept Trump’s "second chance" or the region spirals into deeper conflict remains uncertain.