**US Ready to Defend Itself, Israel if Iran Responds to Israeli Air Strikes: Trump Says**
In a statement made on June 13, US President Donald Trump revealed that he was aware of Israel’s plans to conduct strikes on Iran in advance. According to Fox News, Trump said that Washington is monitoring the situation closely and will respond if Tehran retaliates.
Trump’s comments come after Israel launched heavy air strikes against 100 sites in Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program and reportedly killing top officials, including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US has since reached out to at least one Middle Eastern ally to inform them that the strike was going to happen, but emphasized that Washington was not involved.
The situation escalated further when Iran reportedly launched over 100 drones against Israel in response to the air strikes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned that these drones are expected to reach their targets within the next few hours.
**US on High Alert**
Trump assured that the US military is on high alert, monitoring for any signs of retaliation from Iran. He emphasized that the US will respond if Iran strikes back, either directly or through Israel. This statement was made in a bid to reassure allies and deter potential aggressors.
**Diplomatic Solution Preferred**
Before the attacks, Trump had expressed his commitment to avoiding conflict and finding a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear aspirations. The ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman aim to reach an agreement on limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.
However, these efforts seem to be at odds with recent developments. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report highlighting Iran’s failure to comply with its obligations to fully disclose activities at its nuclear facilities. This has raised concerns about the true intentions of Iran’s nuclear program.
**Global Implications**
The crisis unfolding in the Middle East has broader implications, given Iran’s emerging role as a key ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine. The supply of Iranian drones used in attacks on Ukrainian cities has sparked international concern and raises questions about the level of coordination between Tehran and Moscow.
As tensions escalate, it is clear that the situation will continue to unfold rapidly in the coming days. The world watches with bated breath as the US, Israel, Iran, and Russia navigate this complex web of alliances and rivalries.
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