Reference News Network reported on June 15 that according to a report by Middle East Eye, a British-based news website, on June 13, Middle East Eye learned that the United States secretly delivered hundreds of Hellfire missiles to Israel before the unprecedented attack launched by Israel against Iran on the 13th.
As Israel stockpiled large amounts of supplies before the attack, the United States delivered approximately 300 Hellfire missiles to Israel on the 10th, while the Trump administration stated its readiness to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Two American officials who requested anonymity told Middle East Eye that the transfer of such a large number of Hellfire missiles indicates that the Trump administration was well aware of Israel's plan to attack Iran's Islamic Republic.
The delivery of Hellfire or other large quantities of weapons by the United States before Israel's attack on Iran has never been previously reported.
Two American officials told Reuters on the 13th that the U.S. military helped shoot down Iranian missiles heading towards Israel.
Hellfire is a laser-guided air-to-ground missile. This type of missile is not very useful for Israel in bombing Iran's nuclear facilities but can be used for precise strikes.
The Israeli military used more than 100 aircraft in the attack on the 13th. These aircraft targeted senior military officers, nuclear scientists, and command centers using precise tracking technology, killing dozens of senior Iranian officials and nuclear scientists.
The Trump administration had known about Israel's attack plan several months ago. Middle East Eye disclosed earlier this month that the CIA received briefings on Israel's unilateral plan to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in April and May. Israel's "target system analysis," as well as the combat plans involving cyberattacks and precise strikes without direct U.S. involvement, left a deep impression on the U.S. government.
However, Trump's recent actions have given observers, and possibly Iranians, the impression that he would continue to resist Prime Minister Netanyahu's public lobbying for U.S. support for his strike operation.
Two American officials said that throughout the negotiation process, the Trump administration has continued to supply weapons stably to Israel in recent months.
The United States did not need to notify the transfer publicly because it had been approved as part of a $7.4 billion arms deal, which includes bombs, missiles, and related equipment. Congress was notified of this transaction in February. (Compiled/Translated by Qing Songzhu)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516070107827716659/
Disclaimer: The article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.