Israel should target Iran’s nuclear facilities first: Donald Trump

Criticizing United States President Joe Biden's calls for restraint, Republican presidential candidate and former US president Donald Trump has urged Israel to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in response to the latter's recent missile barrage.

Biden in his recent statement has emphasized proportional retaliation to avoid escalating conflict and rejected the possibility of supporting an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina on Oct 4, Trump criticized Biden’s response to a similar question posed earlier this week.

"They asked him (Biden), what do you think about Iran, would you hit Iran? And he responded, 'As long as they don't hit the nuclear stuff.' That's the thing you want to hit, right?" Trump told a town hall-style event in Fayetteville, near a major US military base.

“I think he has got that one wrong," Trump said in response to a participant's question about the issue. "Isn't that what you are supposed to hit? I mean, it's the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons," he said.

"When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later," Trump added. He said, "If they are going to do it, they will do it. But we will find out whatever their plans are."

Trump’s comments followed the launch of at least 200 missiles by Iran at Israel on Oct 1, marking the second direct attack in six months. Biden in response to the escalation rejected the possibility of supporting an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program.

“The answer is no,” Biden told reporters as he prepared to visit the Carolinas on Oct 2 after Hurricane Helene. He emphasized that while Israel had the right to defend itself, “they should respond in proportion.”

The Biden administration has been cautious, warning that an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to a larger regional conflict. "They should respond in proportion," Biden reiterated, reinforcing his position on the need for restraint.

Pertinently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is evaluating potential responses, including symbolic or retaliatory strikes or more direct action targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.