Republican Presidential candidate for the White House Donald Trump suggested on Friday that Israel should strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to the Islamic republic’s recent missile barrage.
Speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, Trump criticised President Joe Biden’s response to a similar question posed earlier in the week.
“They asked him, what do you think about Iran, would you hit Iran? And he goes, ‘As long as they don’t hit the nuclear stuff.’ That’s the thing you want to hit, right?” Trump told a town hall style event in Fayetteville, near a major US military base.
“I think he’s got that one wrong,” Trump said Friday, in response to a participant’s question about the issue. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to hit? I mean, it’s the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons,” he said.
“When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later,” Trump added.
“If they’re going to do it, they’re going to do it. But we’ll find out whatever their plans are.” Trump said.
His comments followed the launch of approximately 200 missiles by Iran at Israel on Tuesday, marking the second direct attack in six months.
Biden, in response to the escalation, rejected the possibility of supporting an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program. “The answer is no,” Biden told reporters as he prepared to visit the Carolinas after Hurricane Helene. He highlighted that while Israel had the right to defend itself, “they should respond in proportion.”
The Biden administration has been cautious, warning that an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to a larger regional conflict. “They should respond in proportion,” Biden repeated, reinforcing his position on the need for restraint.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is yet to decide how to respond to the missile attack. Options reportedly include symbolic retaliatory strikes or more direct action targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.