United States President Donald Trump has made a bold claim regarding the origins of the June 13, 2025, Israeli attack on Iran, asserting that he was “very much in charge” of the operation. This statement contradicts previous official US accounts that portrayed Israel’s assault as a unilateral move.

“Israel attacked first. That attack was very, very powerful. I was very much in charge of that,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. He described the strike as “a great day for Israel,” arguing that it inflicted more damage than all previous operations combined.

Background: The Israel-Iran Conflict

The June 13 Israeli airstrike targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites, killing several top generals, leading nuclear scientists, and a number of civilians. The attacks triggered a swift Iranian response, with hundreds of missiles launched against Israeli territory.

Initially, the US maintained that Israel acted independently. Then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washington’s position:

“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

However, the US soon joined the operation, targeting Iran’s three main nuclear sites, escalating the conflict. A fragile ceasefire was later established after Iran fired missiles at a US airbase in Qatar.

Trump’s Role in the Conflict

While early reports emphasized Israel’s unilateral action, Trump has increasingly taken credit for the outcome. On Thursday, he suggested that the United States, under his leadership, effectively orchestrated the initial strike and subsequent military coordination.

During the conflict, Trump faced political pressure to keep US forces out of a broader war, reflecting his campaign promises to avoid new military engagements. Nevertheless, he repeatedly emphasized the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program as a key success of his administration.

Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Implications

Despite Trump’s statements, Tehran has not publicly disclosed the full impact of the strikes on its nuclear infrastructure. Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear program remains operational based on accumulated expertise, though the status of highly enriched uranium stockpiles remains unclear.

In parallel, Trump has expressed interest in resuming diplomacy with Iran to formalize ties between Tehran and Israel, building on negotiations initiated earlier in his second presidency. Analysts, however, note that with the nuclear issue currently stagnant, there is little urgency in Washington to restart formal talks. Iran has also expressed skepticism toward US diplomatic overtures, particularly after the surprise Israeli strikes.

Israel’s Strategy and the Abraham Accords

The conflict highlights Israel’s ongoing regional strategy, which includes proactive strikes to protect national security and maintain leverage in nuclear negotiations. Observers note that recent developments, including Trump’s assertion of involvement, underscore the close military coordination between the United States and Israel.

Trump also used the conflict as a political analogy, urging Republicans to consider changes to the Senate filibuster, stating:

“Our party should move on the Senate rule first in the same way Israel launched the war against Iran.”

This comparison reflects Trump’s tendency to frame foreign policy events as lessons in political strategy, blending domestic and international agendas.

Conclusion

The June 13 Israel-Iran conflict remains a key moment in the Middle East geopolitical landscape. With Donald Trump claiming direct responsibility, questions about US involvement and decision-making processes have intensified. Analysts and international observers continue to monitor Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, Israel’s military posture, and Washington’s diplomatic maneuvers.

As Trump advocates for a potential Iran-Israel deal and maintains his claims of strategic leadership during the conflict, the region faces a complex mix of military, political, and diplomatic challenges that could shape US-Israel-Iran relations for years to come.

Key Takeaways:

• Donald Trump claims he was “very much in charge” of Israel’s June 13, 2025, airstrike on Iran.
• Israel killed Iranian generals, nuclear scientists, and civilians in a surprise strike.
• The US subsequently joined the operation, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• A ceasefire was reached after Iran retaliated with missile attacks.
• Trump aims to broker potential diplomatic ties between Iran and Israel while maintaining his narrative of military leadership.