"Iran cannot have nuclear bomb:" Trump says US will defend Israel

US President Donald Trump has stated that while he was aware of Israel’s plans to strike Iran in advance, the US military had no involvement in the operation.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump reiterated his long-standing stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and expressed hope that Tehran would return to the negotiating table.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We’ll see,” Trump said.

He also stressed that the United States will defend Israel, highlighting the close alliance between the two countries.

Trump added that “several people in leadership will not be coming back”, in an apparent reference to Iranian figures reportedly killed in the strikes.

He further revealed that he had informed a Middle Eastern country about the planned Israeli attacks in advance, though he did not specify which country or which officials were briefed.

According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israel's attacks on Iran constitute a "unilateral action" in which the United States played no part. Rubio warned Tehran to refrain from retaliating against American interests or personnel stationed in the region.

US officials although did not confirm whether their country will not provide air refueling and logistic support to Israel.

Early this morning, sirens blared across Israel, alerting citizens after their country's attack on Iran. The critical question now is how the US will respond to defend Israel, as there is a huge risk of rapid escalation.