WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that he played a direct role in planning and initiating Israel’s June 13 attack on Iran, claiming he was “very much in charge” of the operation.
The statement contradicts his earlier assertions that Israel had carried out the assault independently, without U.S. involvement.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Israel launched the strike first and described it as “a very powerful attack,” adding, “I was fully in charge of it. The strike dealt a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear program.”
Following the attack, Iran responded by firing hundreds of missiles at Israel, after which the United States bombed three major Iranian nuclear facilities.
Initially, the U.S. government maintained that Israel had acted alone and that Washington had merely cautioned Tehran against targeting American forces. However, Trump’s latest admission confirms that he personally authorized the initial offensive.
Iran has not disclosed the extent of the damage to its nuclear program but stated that its scientists’ expertise would allow it to remain operational.
Although Trump had previously portrayed himself as an advocate for peace and a critic of new wars, he is now taking credit for leading military action against Iran.
He further added that he seeks a new agreement with Iran under which Tehran would formally normalize relations with Israel, though the negotiations have stalled for now.
