Trump urges Iran to ‘make a deal’ after Israeli strikes, warns of more destruction
Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday urged Iran to “make a deal,” warning of further “death and destruction” following Israel’s deadly airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump responded to the escalating conflict after Israel launched a wide-scale assault on Friday, striking 100 targets across Iran. The operation reportedly killed senior Iranian figures, including the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists. Iran has described the attack as a “declaration of war.”
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump wrote. Referring to Israel’s military capacity, he added, “They have a lot of weapons thanks to the United States — and they know how to use them.”
“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,” he continued. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left… JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
Trump also told Fox News that he had advance knowledge of the Israeli strikes but emphasized that the United States was not involved. He reiterated that Tehran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and noted efforts to return to negotiations.
According to Fox News, Trump’s team had contacted at least one key Middle Eastern ally ahead of the strikes to confirm the U.S. was aware but not participating. The network also reported Trump’s assurance that the U.S. is prepared to defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that the U.S. had no role in the strikes and warned Iran not to target American forces or interests in the region. “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” Rubio said.
Trump was scheduled to attend a National Security Council meeting Friday morning to assess the evolving situation.
