President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict could be a possibility during an interview with ABC News.
“We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,” the president told Rachel Scott.
Trump also told the outlet that he had a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday to discuss the conflict in the Middle East. During the call, he expressed interest in having Putin serve as a mediator between Israel and Iran.
“I would be open to it. [Putin] is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation. This is something I believe is going to get resolved,” Trump shared with the outlet.
This follows Israel’s request for the Trump administration to directly assist in their efforts against Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, as reported by Axios.
Israel currently lacks the bunker-buster bombs and heavy bomber aircraft needed to destroy Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is buried deep within a mountain, the outlet reported. The United States, however, possesses those capabilities and has them positioned within flying range of Iran, the outlet reported.
Trump also commented about the ongoing conflict on his Truth Social platform.
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP!” he wrote.
“Also, during my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were going at it hot and heavy, as they have for many decades, and this long time conflict was ready to break out into WAR. I stopped it (Biden has hurt the longer term prospects with some very stupid decisions, but I will fix it, again!). Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River,” he said.
“There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way! Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!” the president added.
Meanwhile, retired Army Gen. Jack Keane appeared on Fox News Friday to address the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran in the aftermath of Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes.
During an appearance on The Story with Martha MacCallum,Keane discussed Iran’s missile attacks launched in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes. He noted that the initial wave included approximately 100 ballistic missiles, but only five to seven managed to penetrate Israel’s defense systems.
“Israel expected the targets to shift from October, which were Air Force bases in the desert and the Mossad headquarters to population centers. And we’re seeing the evidence of that here. The second wave, 50 missiles and no penetration as of this moment. I believe another wave will be coming as well,” Keane said.
“The fact that the second wave of Iranian retaliation was less than the first is a good sign. It shows you that they’re having difficulty getting those launchers into position. And obviously, Israel is also conducting attacks inside Iran as we speak. So that’s what’s happening here is the retaliation attack by Iran, and you’re likely going to see more,” he added.
Iran has since launched several more waves of missile attacks at Israel, causing some damage and casualties, while Israel has continued to attack Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities.