Trump's comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following a series of escalations between Iran and Israel in recent weeks.

United States President Donald Trump has reportedly praised Israel’s recent military strike on Iran, describing the attack as “excellent” and warning that more assaults may follow.

This was revealed by ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent, Jonathan Karl, in an exclusive interview with Trump on Friday.

Karl said: “I just spoke to President Trump and asked him about the Israeli attack on Iran. Here’s what he told me:

"I think it's been excellent. We gave them a chance and they didn't take it. They got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you're going to get hit. And there's more to come. a lot more."

Trump's comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following a series of escalations between Iran and Israel in recent weeks.

SaharaReporters had reported how the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned what it described as a “blatant act of aggression” by Israel, following military strikes on Iranian territory, including the capital Tehran.

In a formal statement released on Friday and posted on its official X handle, the ministry accused the Israeli government of violating Iran’s territorial integrity and launching attacks on both military and residential areas.

“This morning, the occupying and rogue #ZionistRegime violated the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of our dear #Iran, attacking several locations, including residential areas in Tehran and other cities across our country,” the ministry stated.

It added that the attack resulted in casualties, including prominent figures described as defenders of the nation.

The ministry extended its sympathies to the families of the victims, while vowing a firm response.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its congratulations and condolences to the Revered Leader and the noble people of Iran on the martyrdom of these defenders and servants of the homeland, who sacrificed their lives for our nation in the face of the Zionist regime’s unforgivable crime,” it said.

Citing international law, the statement argued that the strikes breached Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

“The Zionist regime’s attacks on Iran constitute a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and a blatant act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran reserves the legitimate and legal right to respond to this aggression.”

The Iranian government also signalled its readiness to retaliate.

“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to defend Iran’s sovereignty with full strength and in the manner they deem appropriate,” it said.

The ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate steps to address what it described as a threat to international peace.

The attack, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, claimed the lives of senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists.

Despite mounting regional instability, the United Kingdom has not taken part in the Israeli operation, nor is it currently involved in helping to intercept Iran’s retaliation, defence sources confirmed to The Telegraph.

According to The Telegraph, UK’s stance marks a shift from its previous posture last October, when British fighter jets and a refuelling tanker were deployed in response to Iranian missile attacks on Israel, though they did not engage any targets.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as a “very dangerous moment,” emphasising the importance of de-escalation.

Although the UK remains on the sidelines for now, sources indicate that its position could change throughout the day. There is speculation that Britain might reinforce its RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, where Typhoon jets have previously been stationed for operations in the region.

Among those killed in the Israeli strike were Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of the General Staff, and Hossein Salami, head of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation also reportedly eliminated several top commanders and at least six nuclear scientists—some of whom were targeted in their homes.

Israel said over 200 warplanes were used to strike more than 100 targets across Iran, including Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility. Massive explosions were reported across Tehran as the morning sky lit up with fireballs.

The UK’s neutral stance comes amid a sharp downturn in British-Israeli relations. Last month, the Labour-led UK government suspended negotiations on a new free trade agreement, with Foreign Secretary Lammy criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza as “an affront to the values of British people.”

The UK had earlier suspended some weapons export licenses to Israel over concerns of potential breaches of international law in its Gaza offensive.

The Israeli strikes have also drawn sharp international condemnation: Turkey demanded Israel end its “aggressive actions.” Saudi Arabia condemned the attack as “blatant Israeli aggression.”

Oman, which was scheduled to host U.S.-Iran nuclear talks this weekend, labelled the strikes a “dangerous and reckless escalation.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both nations to avoid “a descent into deeper conflict.”