WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump clarified that Washington had no role in the recent Israeli strikes on Iran. Speaking to Fox News, Trump asserted that while the US was not involved, it would stand by Israel if Iran chose to retaliate. He emphasized that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and expressed hope for the resumption of diplomatic negotiations. “We’re hoping Iran will return to the negotiating table,” he added.
The statement came after Iran launched over 100 drones in retaliation for Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities, missile factories, and senior military commanders. Israeli forces described the strikes as the beginning of a long-term campaign to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Explosions were reported at key sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, while Israel declared a state of emergency fearing further Iranian strikes.
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Iranian state media reported that IRGC Chief Hossein Salami was killed in the Israeli attacks, with the Revolutionary Guards’ headquarters in Tehran also hit. Civilian casualties, including children, were also reported in residential areas of the Iranian capital.
