**Axios Reports: Israel Cleared Path for U.S. Bombers in Iran at Trump’s Request**

According to Axios, at Trump’s behest, Israel’s Air Force targeted multiple Iranian air defense systems in the 48 hours before the U.S. struck Iran’s Fordow nuclear site. Three U.S. and Israeli officials confirmed Israel’s role in degrading defenses to facilitate the U.S. operation.

Trump’s request was made directly to Netanyahu last week, after the president decided he would move forward with a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities unless a surprise diplomatic opportunity emerged.

“How can we help?” Netanyahu asked, according to Israeli officials.

Trump told Netanyahu he wanted the Israeli Air Force to eliminate as many Iranian air defense systems as possible in southern Iran — to clear a path for incoming U.S. B-2 stealth bombers.

The U.S. then provided Israel with a list of air defense systems it wanted eliminated ahead of the strike, an Israeli official told Axios.

Trump praised Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying, “We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before,” as Israeli strikes focused on southern Iran to ensure safety for the B-2 bombers hitting Fordow.

After the attack, Trump briefed Netanyahu and expressed his desire for peace with Iran, stating, “He’s ready to do it if the Iranians retaliate…but he wants peace.” An Israeli official said, “We still don’t know how the Iranians will respond — and that could change everything.”

The U.S. made it clear they want to end the current escalation, with one official noting, “They don’t mind if we continue our strikes, but when it comes to them, they’re done.”

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