Trump Says He Knew of Israel’s Iran Strikes Urges Tehran to Make Nuclear Deal
Washington, D.C., June 13, 2025 —
Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed in a phone interview with Reuters on Friday that his administration had prior knowledge of Israel’s military strikes on Iran, and claimed he had given Tehran a fair opportunity to reach a nuclear deal to avoid conflict.
“We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran from humiliation and death,” Trump stated. “They can still make a deal. It’s not too late.”
Trump’s remarks come just days after Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile factories, and top military commanders, escalating already high regional tensions.
Trump Says Warning Was Issued and Diplomacy Was Offered
The former president disclosed that he had granted Iran a 60-day window to agree to a nuclear deal.
“Today is day 61,” Trump noted. “We knew just about everything.”
He added that he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay any military action in favor of diplomatic efforts. Despite those efforts, Israel proceeded with a large-scale assault, prompting Iran’s immediate retaliation with a ballistic missile barrage targeting Israeli cities.
US-Iran Nuclear Talks Still Tentatively Scheduled
Despite the dramatic escalation, Trump confirmed that nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are still scheduled for Sunday in Oman, though he admitted uncertainty about whether the meeting would proceed.
“They’re not dead,” Trump said of the talks. “Now, I’m not sure if that meeting will take place, but we have a meeting with them on Sunday.”
The U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to lead the American delegation. The outcome of the meeting, if it happens, could determine the next phase of U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability.
Trump Avoids Confirming US Role in Israeli Strikes
While Trump reaffirmed America’s longstanding alliance with Israel, he stopped short of detailing any U.S. involvement in Israel’s recent military operation.
“We’ve been very close to Israel. We’re their number one ally by far,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
He declined to express concern over the possibility of a wider regional war, even as both Israeli and Iranian forces remain on high alert.
Israeli Strikes Leave Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities in Question
Trump remarked that it remains uncertain whether Iran’s nuclear program survived the Israeli bombardment.
“Nobody knows. It was a very devastating hit,” he commented.
Israel has claimed its strikes targeted key nuclear and ballistic weapons infrastructure, as well as personnel essential to Iran’s defense establishment. The strikes are part of what Israel has called a prolonged military campaign aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.