Former President Trump claims Putin praised the U.S. strike on Iran, saying ‘That’s exactly what we want’ and that America must be respected.
Trump’s Comments on Iran Strike
During an interview with conservative podcaster Dan Bongino, Donald Trump referenced the U.S. attack on Iran from June of last year, boasting about the effectiveness of his policy. The United States had bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump stated that Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan were ‘completely leveled to the ground.’
‘We did a great job. We received expressions of respect from all over the world. I spoke with China, and he [most likely referring to Xi Jinping – ed.] said: ‘very impressive. Very impressive.’ I spoke with Putin, he said: ‘wow, that was something.’ And that’s exactly what we want. We must be respected,’ said the former U.S. president during the interview.
Increased U.S. Military Presence in Middle East
Donald Trump has received several scenarios for potential military actions against Iran from the Pentagon and the White House, reported the Wall Street Journal. Concurrently, Washington is strengthening its military presence in the Middle East: another U.S. Navy unit has entered the region, and publicly available tracking systems show increased activity of American reconnaissance aircraft.
According to the WSJ, among the options presented to Trump are both limited, pinpoint strikes and a broad bombing campaign targeting the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The newspaper also described possible cyber operations, including attacks on Iran’s banking sector as pressure on Tehran regarding its nuclear program.
Military Movements and Regional Tensions
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the USS Delbert D. Black missile destroyer has been sent to the region, increasing the number of U.S. destroyers in the Middle East to six. The USS Delbert D. Black docked at the port of Eilat on the Red Sea.
According to the Israeli army, this was a previously planned action. Israeli media emphasize that American warships docking in Eilat is rare. In recent days, there has also been a concentration of reconnaissance and command assets. Based on flight tracking data reports, an MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle operated over the Persian Gulf, and P-8 Poseidon aircraft as well as early warning and communication planes appeared in the region.
Analysts indicate that such ‘completing the package’ is typical when armed forces prepare for operations, though it does not necessarily mean one will begin. Some movements may be related to planned exercises. Concurrently, Iran is conducting maneuvers with live ammunition in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial area for global oil supplies.
Diplomatic Channels Amid Tensions
The White House and U.S. regional partners are simultaneously signaling that diplomatic channels are being attempted in the background. Trump himself said that the U.S. ‘would prefer’ to avoid an attack but is setting conditions for Tehran regarding its nuclear program.
The balance of power in the region and the deployment of additional resources aim to increase pressure on Iran and give Washington a real choice between escalation and returning to negotiations, especially as the risk of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz is already causing nervousness in the energy market.
