Washington: 05 Oct/Agencies/ — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested on Friday that Israel should target Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to the recent missile attacks launched by the Islamic republic.
Speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, Trump referred to a question posed earlier this week to President Joe Biden regarding potential Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
“They asked him, what do you think about Iran, would you hit Iran? And he goes, ‘As long as they don’t hit the nuclear stuff.’ That’s the thing you want to hit, right?” Trump told the audience during a town hall event in Fayetteville, close to a significant U.S. military base.
On Wednesday, Biden was asked whether he would support military action against Iranian nuclear sites, to which he responded, “The answer is no.”
Reacting to Biden’s stance, Trump said, “I think he’s got that one wrong,” after a participant raised the topic. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to hit? I mean, it’s the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons.”
Trump further criticized Biden’s approach, stating, “When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later.” He added, “If they’re going to do it, they’re going to do it. But we’ll find out whatever their plans are.”
Biden’s comments came on the heels of Iran launching nearly 200 missiles toward Israel earlier this week, as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
“We’ll be discussing with the Israelis what their next steps will be,” he said, noting that all G7 members agree Israel has “the right to respond, but their response should be proportionate.”
Trump, currently in a fierce presidential race against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, has remained relatively quiet on the recent surge in tensions in the Middle East.
However, earlier this week, he released a sharp statement, blaming President Biden and Vice President Harris for the unfolding crisis.
