Trump: We knew all about Israeli attacks on Iran

(Patria) - After months of urging Israel not to attack Iran while working on a nuclear deal, US President Donald Trump said yesterday in a phone interview with Reuters that he and his team knew the attacks were coming - and that they still saw room for a deal.

- We knew everything and I tried to save Iran from humiliation and death. I tried to save them very much because I would have loved to have seen a deal reached. They can still reach a deal, because it's not too late - Trump said.

Trump repeatedly pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to postpone an Israeli attack to give diplomacy more time, even though the president himself threatened to bomb the Gulf nation if nuclear negotiations failed.

Trump's change of stance on Israeli attacks, which he called "great" and "very successful" in a series of media interviews on Friday, offered one of the most striking examples to date of how he conducts high-stakes negotiations through open public rhetoric and behind-the-scenes maneuvers.

The US President offered support for Israel's decision to launch a series of devastating attacks on Iran, showing a willingness to accept the use of military force to halt Tehran's nuclear program. In contrast, some allies emphasized the need for restraint.

When asked if the United States would support Israel against Iranian counterattacks, Trump said he supports Israel. He stated that he is not concerned about the outbreak of a regional war as a result of Israeli attacks, but did not provide details.

- We were very close to Israel. We are their number one ally - overwhelmingly. We'll see what happens - Trump told Reuters.

Two US officials said late last night that the US military helped shoot down Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.