President Donald Trump asserted that the U.S. had comprehensive advance knowledge of Israel’s massive strikes on Iran, revealing in a Reuters interview that he personally warned Tehran for 60 days to agree to a nuclear deal before the attack commenced on "day 61". Despite the bombardment, Trump insisted it was "not too late" for diplomacy, though Iran’s capacity to engage remains uncertain after key negotiators were killed.
Trump stated he "tried to save Iran humiliation and death" by pressuring Tehran to accept a deal before Israel’s Operation Rising Lion destroyed nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan and killed senior commanders, including Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. He acknowledged pushing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay strikes for diplomacy but emphasized Iran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment was a red line. The president claimed the attack’s devastation left Iran’s nuclear program status unclear: "Nobody knows. It was a very devastating hit".
Scheduled U.S.-Iran talks in Oman on June 16 hang in the balance. Special envoy Steve Witkoff remains prepared to meet Iranian officials, but Tehran has not confirmed participation following the assassination of nuclear scientists and military leaders. Trump paradoxically suggested the strikes might "help" negotiations by coercing Iran back to the table, even as Democrats accused Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging diplomacy.
While Trump dismissed concerns about a wider war, Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on Israeli cities, injuring civilians in Tel Aviv. U.S. forces actively intercepted Iranian drones and missiles during the counterattack, underscoring Washington’s operational alignment with Israel despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s claim of non-involvement. Trump affirmed unwavering support: "We’re [Israel’s] number one ally by far".
Republican Support: GOP leaders praised Israel’s "right to self-defense," with Sen. John Thune calling the strikes "decisive action" against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Democratic Criticism: Sen. Chris Murphy accused Netanyahu of risking "catastrophic" regional war to derail talks, while Sen. Tim Kaine questioned Israel’s timing before the Oman summit.
Global Alarm: The UN, UK, France, and Germany urged de-escalation, with UN chief António Guterres warning against "deeper conflict". Oil prices surged 7% amid fears of supply disruptions.
Analysts warn Israel’s attack could push Tehran toward weaponizing its nuclear program. Iran may withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or revoke Supreme Leader Khamenei’s ban on nuclear weapons—accelerating the very scenario Israel sought to prevent. Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage have fueled Iranian vows of further retaliation, with new Revolutionary Guards chief Mohammad Pakpour promising "the gates of hell will open" to Israel.