What started as a tense evening in the Middle East has quickly escalated into something much bigger.

Just hours after Israel launched major airstrikes against Iran, President Donald Trump jumped into action, offering blunt remarks, fiery warnings, and a clear message: this was no accident, and it’s far from over.

Trump Calls Israeli Attack “Excellent” and Warns of More to Come

By Friday morning, Trump had already made the media rounds, speaking to top TV anchors about the strikes.

In a chat with ABC’s Jon Karl, the president didn’t hold back:

“We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it. They got hit hard.

Very hard. And there’s more to come. A lot more.”

Trump praised the Israeli military action and made it clear that while the U.S. wasn’t directly involved, he had no intention of stopping it.

Meeting Scheduled as Washington Braces for Escalation

Back in Washington, Trump was preparing for a crucial National Security Council meeting at 11 a.m. EST. The goal? Decide how the U.S. should respond if this turns into a prolonged conflict.

Trump monitored the situation overnight from the White House, surrounded by advisors as the news broke in real time.

Marco Rubio Takes Lead on U.S. Strategy in the Region

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’s also serving as national security advisor, emerged as the White House’s lead voice on the matter.

On Thursday night, Rubio confirmed that Israel acted alone.

“The United States was not involved,” he insisted, while stressing America’s top concern is protecting its forces in the region.

Iran Accuses U.S. of Complicity in Israeli Attacks

Despite Rubio’s statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry wasn’t convinced.

Tehran released a strongly worded warning, holding the U.S. accountable for the attacks.

“These aggressive actions could not have occurred without American coordination and authorization,” they said.

Trump Says He Knew the Strikes Were Coming but Let Them Happen

Trump later told Fox News host Bret Baier that he had advance knowledge of the Israeli strikes—but chose not to interfere.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” he said, adding that he still hopes peace talks can resume.

In another interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Trump doubled down on support for Israel.

“We support Israel like nobody has ever supported it,” he said.

He reminded her—and viewers—that Iran had been given a 60-day warning, and “today is day 61.”

U.S. Hawks Rally Behind Trump’s Tough Approach

Trump’s stance immediately drew praise from hardline Republicans.
Sen. Lindsey Graham posted:

“Game on. Pray for Israel.”

Rep. Randy Fine of Florida added:

“Donald Trump doesn’t mess around. Bombs away.”

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also appeared on Fox News, calling the situation “a very good morning.”

“Israel had the moment, the tools, and the courage to act.

They’ve crippled much of Iran’s military capability.”

Pompeo emphasized that now is the time to sustain pressure:

“I hope they continue until we get a decade or two of peace. The ayatollah isn’t going to change.”

Trump Takes to Social Media With a Warning and a Taunt

Trump then turned to social media to share his thoughts with the American public.

He claimed Iran was warned clearly but failed to act.

“They just couldn’t get it done,” he wrote. “Certain hardliners… they are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse.”

He warned Iran to return to the negotiating table—before it’s too late.

“No more death. No more destruction. JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”

Despite Chaos, Trump’s Peace Envoy Heads to Oman

Interestingly, Trump hasn’t closed the door on diplomacy.

His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is still expected to attend scheduled peace talks in Oman on Sunday.

Trump appears to be keeping a back channel open, even as tensions rise.

Iran Refuses Future Nuclear Talks

However, Iran doesn’t seem interested. On state television, Iranian officials announced they would no longer participate in any future nuclear negotiations.

Their response came in the wake of devastating Israeli strikes that reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Major Iranian Figures Killed in the Strike

Among those killed in the Israeli air assault were:

Mohammad Bagheri, top commander of Iran’s armed forces
Gen. Hossein Salami
Gen. Gholamali Rashid
Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh
Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranji, president of Islamic Azad University

These were not small-time players—they were key architects of Iran’s nuclear and military programs.