Former US President and current Republican presidential hopeful, Donald Trump, on Friday advocated for Israel to target Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to recent missile attacks from the Islamic Republic. His comments came during a campaign event in North Carolina, where he criticized the approach taken by President Joe Biden on the matter.
While addressing a town hall-style event in Fayetteville, near a major US military base, Trump referred to a recent question posed to President Biden about the possibility of Israel launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear program. Trump recalled Biden’s response to the question: “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?”
Biden, during a conversation with reporters on Wednesday, had expressed his opposition to strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, saying: “The answer is no.” Trump, however, expressed his disagreement: “I think he’s got that one wrong,” he said in response to a question from the audience. He further elaborated, “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to hit? I mean, it’s the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons.”
Trump argued that the primary focus of any action against Iran should be its nuclear program. He asserted, “When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later.” He also suggested that Israel may take action soon, adding: “If they’re going to do it, they’re going to do it. But we’ll find out whatever their plans are.”
In contrast, President Biden emphasized a more measured response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Speaking after nearly 200 Iranian missiles were fired at Israel, Biden stated that discussions were ongoing with Israeli officials regarding their response. He affirmed that Israel had a right to defend itself but urged proportionality in their actions. Biden also highlighted that all G7 nations were aligned on this position: “They should respond in proportion,” he remarked.
While Trump has remained largely quiet on the recent rise in tensions in the Middle East, he did not hold back from criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis. He issued a pointed statement earlier this week, holding both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, responsible for the situation.
As Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential election, where he faces off against Vice President Kamala Harris, his comments reflect a sharper foreign policy stance that contrasts with the current administration’s more diplomatic approach.
