WASHINGTON (TheCOWNews Digital) U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he was aware of Israel’s planned airstrikes against Iran in advance, but insisted that the United States military had no involvement in the operation. The revelation was made during an exclusive interview with Fox News, as regional tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.
Trump’s remarks come just days after Israel launched a large-scale aerial assault targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including alleged underground enrichment sites and strategic command centers. The attacks triggered an immediate wave of international concern, particularly amid fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict.
“I was informed about the operation beforehand,” Trump told Fox News. “But let me be clear—American troops were not involved in any capacity. This was a unilateral action by Israel.”
While distancing the U.S. from the military action, President Trump also sent a strong message to Tehran, urging the Iranian leadership to rethink its nuclear ambitions. “Iran must not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “We are open to talks, and I hope Iran comes back to the negotiation table. The path to peace is still open, but time is running out.”
Trump’s comments have triggered a wave of global reactions. Analysts and diplomats alike are warning that while the U.S. may not have directly participated in the attack, its tacit approval—or even advanced knowledge—could still have significant geopolitical consequences.
In Tehran, Iranian leaders have already linked the United States to the Israeli action. A spokesperson for the Iranian military declared that both Israel and the U.S. would “pay a heavy price” for what they called a coordinated act of aggression. Earlier this week, Iran responded with a drone assault on Israel, launching over 100 UAVs, most of which were intercepted before impact.
Inside Washington, Trump’s statement has sparked fresh debate. Opposition lawmakers are demanding more clarity on the extent of U.S. awareness and whether diplomatic channels were used to prevent the strike. Some experts believe Trump’s acknowledgment could complicate future efforts to resume nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon issued a separate statement reiterating that no U.S. military units participated in the Israeli operation. Defense officials added that the protection of American personnel and assets in the region remains their top priority.
Back in the Middle East, the situation remains volatile. Israel is under a state of emergency, and its population has been advised to remain near bomb shelters due to fears of further Iranian retaliation. In Iran, national security meetings are ongoing, with all air travel suspended in and out of Tehran.
President Trump concluded his interview with a message to the Iranian people: “The United States does not seek war. We want peace. But we will not allow nuclear threats to go unanswered.”
The international community continues to call for restraint from all sides, fearing that one more misstep could ignite a full-scale regional war with devastating global consequences.
