Trump insists the US military struck Iran on his own terms

US Leader, Donald Trump and senior members of his administration have reasserted control of the narrative surrounding the recent US strikes on Iran, after comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Washington acted in anticipation of an Israeli operation.

Rubio sparked backlash from Democrats, who argue that only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war, as well as from segments of Trump’s MAGA base when he revealed that US officials were aware Israel was preparing to act.

“We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action,” Rubio said Monday. “We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t pre-emptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.”

His remarks triggered speculation that the United States had been drawn into conflict by Israel rather than acting independently.

The White House quickly pushed back. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed claims that Trump had been pressured into military action.

“No, Marco Rubio Didn’t Claim That Israel Dragged Trump into War with Iran,” she posted on X.

Later, during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Trump emphasized that the decision was based on US intelligence assessments and stalled nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

“Based on the way the negotiation was going, I think they (Iran) were going to attack first. And I didn’t want that to happen,” Trump said. “So, if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.”

The strikes mark one of the most significant escalations in US-Iran tensions in recent years. Relations between Washington and Tehran have been strained for decades, particularly over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for regional proxy groups. Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has consistently advocated for a tougher stance on Iran, citing security concerns and alleged missile and nuclear developments.

Rubio later reiterated that the operation was inevitable. After briefing members of Congress, he insisted: “No, I told you this had to happen anyway. The president made a decision. The decision he made was that Iran was not going to be allowed to hide… behind this ability to conduct an attack.”

Critics, however, argue that the administration’s shifting explanations have created confusion and raised constitutional concerns. Some lawmakers contend that Congress was not properly consulted before the strikes were launched.

As the United States approaches crucial midterm elections that could determine control of Congress, the political stakes are high.

Senator Tom Cotton defended Trump, stating on “Fox & Friends” that “No one pushes or drags Donald Trump anywhere. He acts in the vital national security interest of the United States.”

But dissent has also emerged within Republican ranks. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene warned on X that the country is increasingly divided between those who support foreign military interventions and those who prefer a focus on domestic economic issues.