WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump urged Iran on Friday to “make a deal”, warning that there will be more “death and destruction” after Israel launched deadly strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left… JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” he said.
Earlier, Trump told Fox News he had advance knowledge of Israel’s air strikes on Iran, underscoring that Tehran “cannot have a nuclear bomb” and expressing hope for a return to diplomatic negotia-tions.
The comments followed Israel’s massive overnight operation targeting 100 Iranian sites, including nu-clear and military facilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strikes hit the Natanz atomic facility.
Iranian media reported the deaths of key military figures, including Revolutionary Guards leader Hos-sein Salami and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri.
Responding to the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli oper-ation as a “crime” carried out by “satanic, bloodstained hands.” He warned that Israel should expect “a severe punishment” and that “the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished.”
“The Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate,” Khamenei added, signaling a likely intensification of hostilities.
As the region braces for possible Iranian retaliation, global powers watch closely, urging restraint while preparing for all contingencies in an increasingly volatile Middle East.
However, Trump said that “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb” and that the US was hoping to get back to the negotiating table. He also emphasised US’ readiness to defend itself and Israel in the event of Iranian retaliation. While the Trump administration reportedly informed a key Middle Eastern ally ahead of the strikes, it reiterated that the US was not directly involved.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this stance, stating, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He added a stern warning: “Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
Trump is set to convene a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning to discuss the unfolding situation.
Responding to the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli oper-ation as a “crime” carried out by “satanic, bloodstained hands.” He warned that Israel should expect “a severe punishment” and that “the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished.”
“The Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate,” Khamenei added, signaling a likely intensification of hostilities.
As the region braces for possible Iranian retaliation, global powers watch closely, urging restraint while preparing for all contingencies in an increasingly volatile Middle East.
Across the Atlantic, Britain distanced itself from the strikes and any protective measures for Israel against possible Iranian retaliation. The defence editor of The Times reported on social media that Brit-ain will not protect Israel following the recent Israeli air raids.
In contrast to its limited involvement last October — when British jets helped prevent escalation after Iranian missile attacks on Israel — London has maintained a hands-off stance this time.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and return to diplomat-ic dialogue.
Neither Britain’s Foreign Office nor Ministry of Defence have commented on any potential role in the current crisis, leaving the country’s exact position ambiguous but cautious.
Meanwhile, Iran’s neighbour Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s military actions, labeling them “un-justified and illegitimate.” The Pakistani Foreign Office criticised the Israeli strikes as violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling them clear breaches of the UN Charter and international law. –Agencies
