President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that he was aware of Israel’s planned preemptive strikes on Iran before they occurred, stating there were no surprises in the operation. The Israeli strikes killed three of Iran’s top military commanders, including IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, and Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command Gholam-Ali Rashid. Trump emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and expressed hope that Iran would return to the negotiating table, although Iran has indicated its intention to withdraw from further talks. The Trump administration had reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to acknowledge that the strike was going to happen, but confirmed that the United States was not involved in the attacks.
Israeli forces reportedly used around 200 fighter jets to strike targets in Iran, destroying dozens of radars, surface-to-air missile launchers, and nuclear facilities. Iran responded with around 100 retaliatory drones aimed at Israel, which Israeli forces stated they were actively working to intercept. Trump also highlighted the U.S. readiness to defend both Israel and itself in the event of Iranian retaliation, noting that the U.S. is on high alert and has replenished Iron Dome missiles. The president is set to attend a National Security Council meeting later Friday morning, as the situation remains under close scrutiny.