Trump defends Iran strikes as his own decision

By Goli Innocent

President Donald Trump faced renewed scrutiny on Tuesday over US military strikes on Iran, following comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the action was prompted by a potential Israeli attack.

Rubio said the US acted pre-emptively to protect its forces from expected Israeli operations, alarming Democrats and some Trump supporters who questioned the authority for war.

White House officials quickly clarified that Trump authorised the strikes independently, citing stalled negotiations with Iran over nuclear limits and the need to degrade its missile capabilities. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on X: “No, Marco Rubio Didn’t Claim That Israel Dragged Trump into War with Iran.”

Trump himself told Germany’s chancellor that the strikes were based on Iran’s potential first move: “I didn’t want that to happen… if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.” Rubio reinforced that the action was necessary, insisting, “No, I told you this had to happen anyway.”

Critics argue the messaging is muddled, accusing Trump of entering conflict without a clear rationale, congressional approval, or exit strategy. Some Republican allies, including Tom Cotton, defended the president, saying he acts in the nation’s vital security interest.

With midterm elections looming, Trump risks losing support from voters weary of foreign conflicts, amid a national debate between interventionist and isolationist policies.