US President Donald Trump told Fox News in an interview that he had prior warning of the Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets. He insisted that while the US did not join in, he remains adamant that Iran will not be able to get a nuclear weapon.
Further, Trump said he is monitoring the response from Iran. His comments come as Washington tries to balance diplomacy with the preparedness to defend Israel during tense nuclear talks with Tehran.
Trump Confirms That He Was Informed Informally
Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the White House received advance notice of Israel’s plans. However, he stressed that the US had not been involved in the operation. He confirmed that the US Central Command and allied forces are on high alert. He made it categorically clear: if Iran attacks back, the US will protect its interests and Israel.
In the same interview, Trump asserted, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” reaffirming his administration’s long-held position. He also said that while he would like to have negotiations back, “we will see,” since Iran has not fully committed as of yet. He also darkly warned that Israel had eliminated several Iranian leaders who would not return.
Administration Distances Itself From Military Strikes
While Trump confirmed it, his administration has underlined that the US had no tactical involvement in the action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio again asserted that Israel acted alone and the US merely aimed at safeguarding its personnel in the region.
The distancing is a sign of the precarious balancing act of strategic support for Israel and continued efforts to re-launch nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Diplomatic Talks Hang in the Balance
The news comes ahead of a scheduled sixth round of American-Iranian negotiations in Oman. A top US diplomat has recently affirmed that negotiations will go on this Sunday. Trump was tentatively set in his optimism but indicated the agreement will have to be tougher than past agreements.
Trump’s revelation highlights the extent of US–Israel strategic coordination and intelligence sharing. At the same time, it provokes concerns about the boundaries of American power and the tenuous divide between diplomacy and military escalation.
Trump called on Iran to use this moment as an opportunity: “We are hoping to get back to the negotiating table.” But he also cautioned that upcoming US personnel evacuations from the Middle East represent the nuance and danger of the moment.
A Pivotal Moment
This moment recasts the US’s role in Middle East security. Trump’s recognition of Israel’s unilateral move and pledge to defend Israel if Iran attacks represents a sharp change. He mixes tough-guy deterrence — “Iran can’t have a nuclear bomb” — with ongoing diplomatic gestures.
With nuclear talks looming and Israel poised for further attacks, the world holds its breath. A miscalculation could set off overt war in an extremely volatile region.
