"Certainly Possible”: Trump Doesn’t Rule Out Imminent Israeli Strike on Iran |WATCH

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism today about securing a nuclear deal with Iran, urging Israel to hold off on military action to avoid triggering a “massive conflict.” Speaking on the ongoing negotiations, Trump stated, “I want a deal with Iran. We’re close to a pretty good deal. It needs to be better.” He emphasized his desire to prevent escalation, saying, “All long as there’s a chance for an agreement, I don’t want Israel to attack.” However, he also acknowledged the risk of Israeli action, noting, “I don’t want to say an Israeli strike will happen in the coming days, but it’s certainly possible.” Trump underscored concerns for U.S. citizens in the region, adding, “We have American citizens in the area, and I wanted them out. I didn’t want to be ‘the one who didn’t warn,’ so I had to do this.”

Retired U.S. General Keith Witkoff privately cautioned Republican senators that an Iranian retaliation to an Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities could overwhelm Israel’s defenses, potentially causing “massive destruction” and significant casualties. Israel’s air defense systems, including Arrow and David’s Sling, have been tested by over 200 missile and drone attacks from Iran’s proxies, Hezbollah and the Houthis, in 2024 alone. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, in a June 12 interview, downplayed the likelihood of unilateral Israeli action, stating, “Israel is unlikely to attack Iran without a green light from Washington.” He highlighted the strong bilateral trust, saying, “I just don’t see that happening because of the closeness of the relationship and the trust.”

Huckabee clarified reports about Trump’s discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting, “I can’t say that the president gave any instructions. I know they’ve had many conversations and discussed all aspects, but it would not be like the president to give instructions to the prime minister.” He reaffirmed Trump’s stance: “The president made very clear that Iran is not going to have a nuclear weapon, that Iran isn’t going to have any enrichment, and I don’t know how much clearer he could get.” With Iran’s uranium enriched to 60% nearing weapons-grade and 57 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, Trump’s diplomatic push seeks to avert a broader war threatening the region’s stability.