President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday in an exclusive interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier that he was informed ahead of time about Israel’s massive preemptive strike on Iran, which has significantly altered the security landscape in the Middle East.
Speaking from the White House, Trump emphasized the administration’s ongoing goal: preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see,” Trump said. “There are several people in leadership in Iran that will not be coming back.”
His comments come after Israel’s high-impact strike reportedly eliminated three of Iran’s top military leaders:
- IRGC Commander Hossein Salami
- Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Hossein Bagheri
- Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command Gholam-Ali Rashid
These targeted killings represent the most direct and consequential blow to Iran’s military leadership in over a decade.
Trump is scrambling to spin this.
Netanyahu wasn’t trying to help diplomacy; he was trying to destroy diplomacy. How do we know? They reportedly targeted and killed Iran’s chief negotiator with Trump. https://t.co/VlBvqoYgx7
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 13, 2025
While the United States officially maintains that it did not participate in the operation, Trump confirmed that Israel provided advanced notice and that he had several conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the strikes.
My full statement:
Israel’s attack on Iran, clearly intended to scuttle the Trump Administration’s negotiations with Iran, risks a regional war that will likely be catastrophic for America and is further evidence of how little respect world powers – including our own allies -…
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 13, 2025
According to U.S. officials, the administration quietly informed at least one key Middle Eastern ally that the operation was imminent. However, the U.S. withheld direct involvement to avoid escalation or misinterpretation of American intent.
Both are liars. This is all planned. https://t.co/kjgFo0tHeT
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) June 13, 2025
Israel reportedly deployed approximately 200 fighter jets in the coordinated strike, destroying dozens of radar installations, missile defense systems, and key nuclear facilities. The precision and scale of the operation reflect Israel’s long-standing “red line” against a nuclear-capable Iran.
I am closely watching the situation in the Middle East after Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and against top officials, including military leaders.
The Trump administration has said it did not participate in the attack and has moved to protect…
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) June 13, 2025
In retaliation, Iran launched around 100 drones toward Israeli territory. As of Friday morning, Israeli defense forces reported successful interception efforts underway. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is now on heightened alert, and the White House confirmed it has recently resupplied Iron Dome interceptor missiles to support Israel’s defense.
Trump reiterated that the U.S. will defend itself and its allies if Iran retaliates more broadly. While emphasizing deterrence, he did not rule out further American involvement should the conflict escalate.
The timing of the strike has already upended delicate diplomatic efforts. A meeting between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials in Oman, originally set for Sunday, is now in question. Iranian officials have signaled a possible withdrawal from further negotiations—a move that could deepen tensions even as both nations signal openness to diplomacy.
