Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Israel to target Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to a recent missile barrage from the Islamic Republic. Donald Trump’s statement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, and after President Joe Biden remarked that an “all-out war” in the Middle East is unlikely.
Speaking on the issue, Donald Trump criticized Biden’s approach, particularly a comment the President made when asked about Israel possibly targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. “They asked him, what do you think about Iran? Would you hit Iran? And he goes, ‘As long as they don’t hit the nuclear stuff.’ That’s the thing you want to hit, right?” Trump remarked. He emphasized that nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat and that Israel should focus on neutralizing them first, adding, “That’s what you’re supposed to hit.”
Donald Trump, currently the Republican candidate for the upcoming U.S. elections, further suggested that Israel should strike Iran’s nuclear facilities and “worry about everything else later.” He remarked, “If they’re going to do it, they’re going to do it. But we’ll find out whatever their plans are.”
These comments follow Biden’s statement expressing confidence that a massive conflict in the Middle East could be avoided. In response to questions about the potential for escalation between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, Biden dismissed the likelihood of an all-out war. “How confident are you it’s not going to rain? I don’t believe there is going to be an all-out war. I think we can avoid it,” Biden said. He also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel but did not specify sending American troops to the region, stating, “We have already helped Israel. We are going to protect Israel.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also weighed in on the ongoing conflict, justifying Iran’s attacks on Israel as “legal and legitimate” retribution for Israeli actions. During his first Friday sermon in five years, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah AliKhamenei condemned Israel’s operations and suggested that strikes against the country serve both the region and humanity. His remarks coincide with the approaching one-year anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
