In an exclusive phone interview last night with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, President Donald Trump confirmed that he was informed ahead of Israel’s airstrikes on Iran, adding that the United States was not involved militarily in the operation but remains vigilant amid fears of Iranian retaliation.
Matzav.com reviewed the interview and shares some highlights:
“There were no surprises,” President Trump told Baier, making clear that while his administration was aware of the strikes before they began, the U.S. played no direct role. “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back.”
The pointed remark about “several people in leadership” was widely understood to reference senior Iranian officials who were reportedly killed in the strikes carried out by Israel earlier in the evening.
President Trump said that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu multiple times over the past few days. According to U.S. administration sources, the Trump team also reached out to at least one key ally in the Middle East to notify them that the strikes were imminent and to reiterate that America was not involved in the operation.
While emphasizing a desire to deescalate the situation and resume diplomatic efforts, President Trump made it clear that the U.S. is prepared to respond forcefully if necessary.
“We’re watching to see if there is retaliation,” he said, noting that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is currently on high alert. “The U.S. will defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.”
In recent weeks, U.S. officials confirmed, the Iron Dome missile defense system has been replenished with additional interceptors, a move that now appears prescient in light of mounting tensions.
Despite confirming that several high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in the Israeli operation, administration officials reiterated that the U.S. military was not involved in any capacity. Still, it was made clear that the Trump administration was fully aware of Israel’s intentions and had coordinated diplomatic messaging with allies in advance.
President Trump closed the conversation by repeating his central message: “I hope they get back to the negotiating table.”
WATCH:

{Matzav.com}