Trump: Israel lacks capacity to destroy Iran’s underground nuclear site alone

US President Donald Trump on Friday noted that while Israel has made notable military gains in its strikes against Iran, it lacks the capability to destroy Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo underground nuclear facility without US assistance.

Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump struck a balance between supporting Israel’s military campaign and continuing diplomatic overtures to Tehran.

“They really have a very limited capacity,” Trump said of Israel’s ability to target the underground nuclear site.“They could break through a little section, but they can’t go down very deep. They don’t have that capacity,” he added.

The President’s remarks come amid mounting concern over the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. While emphasizing that he remains committed to diplomacy, Trump made clear that persuading Israel to halt its military operations is currently unlikely.

“I think it’s very hard to make that request right now if somebody is winning,” he said. Israel’s doing well in terms of war Iran is doing less well. It’s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop.”

Though some European nations have attempted to mediate, Trump dismissed their efforts outright. “They didn’t help,” he said. “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe.” They want — they want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help on this one,” Trump said.

However, Trump reaffirmed his belief that toughness can be a pathway to peace.

“I will always be a peacemaker,” he said. “But sometimes you need some toughness to make peace.”

Trump also ruled out immediate US military involvement on the ground, saying, “That’s the last thing you want to do.”

When asked about a timeline for his decision on whether to support Israel further, Trump said he was giving Iran time to respond. “I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” he noted.