Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested on Friday that Israel should prioritize striking Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to the Islamic republic’s recent missile barrage. Speaking at a campaign event in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s reluctance to support such actions, calling it a missed opportunity to address what he sees as the “biggest risk” — nuclear weapons.
Trump’s Critique of Biden’s Approach
Trump’s comments came after Biden, when asked earlier in the week whether he would support Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, responded with a clear “no.” Biden instead emphasized the need for proportionality in Israel’s military response to the nearly 200 Iranian missiles fired toward Israel. Trump, however, disagreed with Biden’s stance, saying that hitting Iran’s nuclear capabilities should be the top priority.
“Hit the Nuclear First”
During the town hall event near a major U.S. military base, Trump remarked, “When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later.” He argued that nuclear weapons are the greatest threat in the region, suggesting that any military response by Israel should focus on neutralizing this risk.
Trump’s Position in the 2024 Election
As tensions in the Middle East escalate, Trump has largely refrained from deep commentary on the situation. However, he issued a strong statement earlier this week, holding Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris responsible for the unfolding crisis. The former president’s latest comments mark an attempt to differentiate his foreign policy stance from Biden’s as the two parties gear up for the 2024 election, where Trump is seeking to regain the White House.
