🚨 Axios Exclusive: Trump Requested Israel Clear Path for U.S. Bombers in Iran Strike

At the behest of former President Donald Trump, Israel conducted targeted airstrikes on Iranian air defense systems in the 48 hours before the U.S. bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility — a move coordinated between U.S. and Israeli officials to pave the way for American B-2 stealth bombers.

🧨 Why It Matters

Trump’s unprecedented decision to formally enter Israel’s war against Iran marked the culmination of months of military coordination centered around Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

• Israel’s direct support was crucial in enabling the U.S. strike.
• “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump said Saturday in a national address. “We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before.”

🕹️ Behind the Scenes

Last week, Trump personally reached out to Netanyahu, declaring his intent to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure unless a diplomatic solution appeared.

“How can we help?” Netanyahu reportedly asked.

Trump responded: Take out Iran’s air defenses in the south to clear the path for the bombers.

An Israeli official confirmed that the U.S. provided a list of targets, which the Israeli Air Force systematically struck in the lead-up to the U.S. bombing mission.

🔁 High-Level Coordination

On Thursday, Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz held a joint call with Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to finalize plans.

“In those 48 hours before the U.S. operation, the IDF hit several key Iranian defense sites,” an Israeli official said.

The aim was to reduce the threat to U.S. bombers targeting Fordow, a heavily fortified nuclear site buried deep underground.

💬 What They're Saying

“We didn’t push the U.S. into this war,” an Israeli official emphasized.

“But luckily for us, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart — and [Supreme Leader] Khamenei refused every U.S. offer.”

📞 After the Strike

Once the B-2s completed their mission and left Iranian airspace, Trump phoned Netanyahu to debrief him. According to sources:

• Trump’s next goal: diplomatic talks with Tehran.
• “The president doesn’t want a prolonged campaign,” a U.S. official told Axios. “He’s prepared to act again if Iran retaliates, but he wants peace.”

An Israeli official echoed the sentiment:

“We don’t yet know how Iran will respond — but the Americans told us: they’re done for now. We may continue, but they want this phase closed.”

📍 Bottom Line: Trump’s move not only escalated U.S. involvement in the Middle East but showcased the depth of U.S.-Israeli military cooperation — and the tightrope now being walked as the world watches for Iran’s next move.

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