In a recent conversation with The New York Post, former President Donald Trump disclosed that he was not taken by surprise by Israel's military strike on Iran, claiming, "I always knew the date." Trump attributed this foresight to his intimate knowledge of the situation, emphatically stating, "I know everything." His comments come after a pivotal deadline passed—a 60-day ultimatum he had set for Iran to comply with a revised nuclear agreement with the United States.
The Israeli media had reported on a 60-day window, yet Trump had not acknowledged it until after Thursday's military operation. He also refrained from publicly confirming whether he had endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authorization to strike. Following the operation, Netanyahu released a video statement, indicating that the United States had prior knowledge of Israel's intentions.
The lead-up to the military action was marked by the evacuation of non-essential U.S. personnel from certain regional outposts on Wednesday. Trump had previously expressed his preference for diplomacy with Iran, with a stern warning in May that military action could ensue should negotiations flounder.
On April 7, over two months prior to the Israeli assault, Trump welcomed Netanyahu to the White House. The subsequent Israeli airstrikes targeted key Iranian officials and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of drones toward Israel, which were reportedly intercepted successfully by the Israel Defense Forces.
When probed about the shared intelligence with Netanyahu and the coordination of the 60-day deadline, Trump responded vaguely, stating, "Someone informed me of it." The U.S. has pushed for Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program as a condition for economic reintegration into the global market. Vice President JD Vance had stated in May that the ideal agreement would result in Iran ceasing its nuclear pursuits entirely.
However, Iran has resisted these demands. On June 4, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defiantly questioned the U.S.'s authority over Iran’s nuclear program. Post-strike satellite imagery showed extensive damage at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, a critical part of its nuclear infrastructure.
Despite the heightened tensions, Trump emphasized that the U.S. remains open to diplomatic discussions. Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are set for the upcoming weekend. On his Truth Social account, Trump reflected on the situation, remarking on the potential for Iran to reconsider its position and the grave consequences already unfolding.
The recent developments raise questions about the effectiveness of military action versus diplomacy in the pursuit of nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability. The incident underscores the delicate balance of power and the intricate web of international relations that govern such high-stakes negotiations.
