Former President Donald Trump predicted that Iran would launch an attack against Israel, claiming the strike was imminent. Trump, 78, emphasized that he had no classified information regarding the potential attack but mentioned hearing about it through unspecified sources.
“I’m hearing there’s going to be an attack by Iran on Israel. They’re going to be attacked tonight. I’m telling you right now,” Trump told Ross without disclosing the source of his information. He continued, “I hear it just through the same way — there is no top-secret information or anything. But I hear that Israel is going to be attacked tonight.”
Trump further asserted, “If I were president, nobody would even be talking about that … because it wouldn’t happen.”
These comments come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following accusations that Israel was responsible for the recent death of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. Iran has vowed retaliation for the incident. Earlier in the day, reports surfaced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had informed his Group of Seven counterparts about a potential joint attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel, which could occur within 24-48 hours.
Late last month, Israel claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukr, during a strike in Beirut. This action was in retaliation for a rocket attack that killed 12 children and teenagers in Israel. Both Iran and Hezbollah, a Lebanese group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., have promised retribution against Israel.
Trump, who recently had 40 counts dropped against him related to the alleged hoarding of sensitive national security documents, is now the Republican nominee for president. As such, he is entitled to receive classified security briefings, although it remains unclear if he has been receiving them.
During his discussion with Ross, Trump also addressed other issues related to foreign policy, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. He criticized Democrats for their handling of the Russia collusion investigation and asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still in office.
“Ukraine was the apple of his eye. He did love it. He did want it, but he knew he couldn’t do it,” Trump remarked. “He would’ve never done it if I was president.”
Reflecting on the devastation in Ukraine, Trump added, “Outside of Kyiv, most of those cities are wiped down to the ground, and it’s so sad. And when those buildings come down – plenty of people [in them].”
Trump’s comments have sparked widespread discussion and concern, given the precarious state of international relations and the potential for escalating conflict in the Middle East.
