Trump Discusses Israeli Strikes on Iran in Late Night Conversation
In a late-night dialogue with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s recent military actions against Iran. This conversation came on the heels of an announcement from the White House that Trump would convene the National Security Council in the Situation Room on Friday at 11 a.m. EDT. (UPDATE at the conclusion of this article: A Truth Social post from Trump early Friday morning)
Israel’s Military Action
Responding to what it perceives as an existential threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel launched extensive strikes on Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities, missile sites, military leaders, and prominent nuclear scientists. During his conversation with Baier, Trump expressed a glimmer of hope that Iran might reconsider its position and return to negotiation talks over its nuclear program, stating, “There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back,” hinting at the casualties from the strikes.
Visual Documentation of the Strikes
Images surfaced showing the initial Israeli attacks on Tehran early Friday:
Footage coming in from #Israel‘s strikes against #Iran‘s regime, including in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/Jlq5CLScUl
ā Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 13, 2025
Additionally, a video captured an Israeli missile strike on the Iranian nuclear facility located in Natanz:
The moment a missile hit Natanz. pic.twitter.com/iK2RcedO9P
ā Mike (@Doranimated) June 13, 2025
There was also an attack on the Kermanshah Underground Facility:
This is the Kermanshah Underground Facility (UGF) at 34.368586, 47.236778
POV starts around 34.35011, 47.22774 https://t.co/8aLGc9qhBc pic.twitter.com/erm8v6LKM5
ā Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) June 13, 2025
Trumpās Awareness of the Strikes
In a report by Benny Johnson, Baier relayed Trump’s prior knowledge of Israel’s military actions: “I just spoke to President Trump. One thing the president was aware of Israelās action before it happened.” Trump reiterated, āIran cannot have a nuclear bomb. Weāre hoping to get back to the negotiating table.ā He also expressed concern over potential Iranian retaliation, asserting that the U.S. would defend both itself and Israel should that occur.
BREAKING: President Trump told Fox News he knew about Israelās strikes ahead of time and still wants negotiation talks with Iran:
BRET BAIER: āI just spoke to President Trump. One thing the president was aware of Israel’s action before it happened.ā
āHe gave me a quote. Heā¦ pic.twitter.com/0UtYfMjVAg
ā Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 13, 2025
Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin summarized Trump’s comments: the former president indicated prior knowledge of the strikes, clarified that the U.S. was not involved in the military actions, and expressed hope for renewed negotiations with Iran. He also noted that several Iranian leaders had been killed in the strikes, suggesting that their absence could impact future negotiations.
U.S. Position and Reactions
A statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified the U.S. position: “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” Rubio emphasized that Israel deemed the actions necessary for its self-defense, while underscoring the U.S. commitment to safeguarding its interests and personnel.
Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio
āTonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for itsā¦ pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF
ā The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 13, 2025
The Presidentās schedule for Friday, as released by the White House press office, includes a meeting with the National Security Council:
President Trump is meeting with the national security council tomorrow in the Situation Room. Previously, a cabinet meeting was on the schedule: pic.twitter.com/gZoBNyly0A
ā Weijia Jiang (@weijia) June 13, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister’s Address
In a statement Thursday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the military operations against Iran would persist for several days, aiming to eliminate the threat posed by Iranās nuclear program:
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.” pic.twitter.com/3c8oF1GCYaā Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 13, 2025
IDF’s Justification for Strikes
The IDF elaborated on the rationale behind the timing of the attacks, as reported by Kassy Aviva:
New IDF statement on Iranian nuclear capabilities:
“In recent months, accumulated intelligence information has provided evidence that the Iranian regime is approaching the point of no return…”
ā Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) June 13, 2025
New IDF statement on Iranian nuclear capabilities:
āIn recent months, accumulated intelligence information has provided evidence that the Iranian regime is approaching the point of no return. The convergence of the Iranian regimeās efforts to produce thousands of kilograms of enriched uranium, alongside decentralized and fortified enrichment compounds in underground facilities, enables the Iranian regime to enrich uranium to military-grade levels, allowing it to obtain a nuclear weapon in a short time. The IDF has the obligation to act in defense of Israel’s civilians and will continue to do so.ā
UPDATE
In a Truth Social post, Trump asserted, āI gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal… They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse! There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left…ā
