Washington: Reacting to Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, reiterating a long-held U.S. position.

In an interview with American media, President Trump confirmed that he was aware of Israel’s plans to strike Iran but emphasized that “the United States had no role in the operation.”

“There are people in Iran’s leadership who will never return,” Trump said, in an apparent reference to the Iranian officials killed in the strikes.

The president also expressed hope that Iran would return to the negotiation table, signaling that diplomatic efforts may still be pursued despite the rising tensions.

Earlier, United States (US) clarified that it had no involvement in the Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

In an official statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the operation was unilateral and carried out solely by Israel. He reiterated that the protection of American forces in the region remains Washington’s top priority.

It is important to note that Israel has officially launched a war against Iran, initiating full-scale military operations. In today’s Israeli airstrikes, key Iranian nuclear and military targets were hit. Among those confirmed killed are IRGC Chief Major General Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces General Mohammad Bagheri, and prominent nuclear scientists.