Revealed in Fox News Interview on the 12th
President Donald Trump (front) and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff featured in an Iranian local newspaper. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
On the night of June 12 (local time), US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that "the United States was aware of the attack in advance but did not intervene militarily," adding that he was not surprised by the incident.
In the interview with Fox News' chief anchor Bret Baier, President Trump said, "Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb," and expressed his hope that Iran would "return to the negotiating table." He also mentioned that "some members of the current Iranian leadership will not be returning."
President Trump further revealed that the US Central Command is maintaining a high state of alert in preparation for possible retaliation targeting the United States. He explained that if Iran were to launch an attack, the United States would defend or support the defense of both its own country and Israel.
Additionally, Fox News emphasized that in recent days, President Trump has held multiple phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and that the Trump administration was aware of the situation through prior contact with Middle Eastern allies but did not participate directly in the airstrikes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reaffirmed in an official statement that the United States did not directly intervene in the airstrikes, reiterating a similar position.
Meanwhile, Fox News reported that President Trump was disappointed with Iran's attitude toward the negotiations. The outlet also noted that a meeting between the US envoy and Iranian representatives had been scheduled for June 15, but given the current situation, there is a high likelihood that the schedule will change.
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