According to Iran’s Health Ministry spokesman, some Iranians perceived the United States more favorably than Russia before former President Donald Trump’s support for Israeli military actions.

In an interview, spokesman Hossein Kermanpour stated, “There was no perception about America prior to this. Some didn’t like america, some had no opinion, and some considered America a better friend than Russia.”

Amid ongoing conflict, Israel and Iran recently exchanged strikes while European diplomatic efforts unfolded in Geneva.

Kermanpour expressed that Iranians were “very surprised” by support from Trump and European nations for the Israeli operation, reinforcing suspicions that “America is not to be trusted.” He added that the strikes occurred “in the midst of fruitful negotiations.”

“America is not to be trusted.”

Though, Kermanpour clarified that Iranians do not endorse U.S. involvement in the conflict with Israel following the recent strikes.

The Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes resulted in over 3,000 injuries, with 90% being civilians, and approximately 400 deaths, according to Kermanpour.

Kermanpour noted that around 2,000 of the injured have been treated and released. Among the casualties were a 2-month-old baby who died and a 4-year-old boy who was wounded, identified as the youngest victims.

The Health Ministry spokesman stated that the attacks occurred “while the people were sleeping” and targeted “more than ten provinces of the contry, including Tehran,” resulting in the deaths of “a important number of civilians and military,” who he termed “martyrs.”