Trump also mentioned to the outlet that he had an extensive phone discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday regarding the conflict in the Middle East. During this conversation, he indicated his interest in having Putin act as a mediator between Israel and Iran.
“I would be receptive to that. [Putin] is prepared. He reached out to me about it. We had a lengthy discussion on the matter. We talked about this more than his situation. I believe this issue will be resolved,” Trump conveyed to the outlet.
This comes after Israel’s request for the Trump administration to provide direct assistance in their efforts against Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, as reported by Axios.
Currently, Israel lacks the bunker-buster bombs and heavy bomber aircraft necessary to obliterate Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is situated deep within a mountain, according to the outlet. The United States, on the other hand, possesses these capabilities and has them strategically positioned within flying range of Iran, the outlet reported.
Trump also shared his thoughts on the ongoing conflict via his Truth Social platform.
“Iran and Israel should reach an agreement, and they will reach an agreement, just as I facilitated between India and Pakistan, in that instance by utilizing TRADE with the United States to introduce reason, cohesion, and sanity into discussions with two exceptional leaders who were able to swiftly make a decision and STOP!” he stated.
“Additionally, during my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were engaged in intense conflict, as they have been for many decades, and this long-standing dispute was on the verge of escalating into WAR. I intervened (Biden has jeopardized the long-term prospects with some very unwise decisions, but I will rectify it, once more!). Another example is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their contention over a massive dam that is impacting the ma
Meanwhile, retired Army General Jack Keane made an appearance on Fox News on Friday to discuss the rising tensions between Israel and Iran following Iran’s missile strikes in retaliation.
During his segment on The Story with Martha MacCallum, Keane elaborated on the missile attacks from Iran that were a response to Israeli airstrikes. He pointed out that the first wave consisted of around 100 ballistic missiles, yet only five to seven were able to breach Israel’s defense systems.
“Israel anticipated that the targets would transition from those in October, which included Air Force bases in the desert and the Mossad headquarters, to civilian population centers. We are witnessing evidence of that shift now. The second wave involved 50 missiles, and as of now, there has been no penetration. I suspect another wave will follow shortly,” Keane remarked.
“The fact that the second wave of Iranian retaliation was less impactful than the first is a positive indication. It suggests they are struggling to position their launchers effectively. Additionally, Israel is actively conducting operations within Iran at this moment. Thus, what we are observing is Iran’s retaliatory attack, and it is likely that more will follow,” he continued.
Since then, Iran has executed several additional waves of missile strikes against Israel, resulting in some damage and casualties, while Israel has persisted in targeting Iran’s nuclear and military assets.
