Washington: US President Donald Trump has rejected claims that the United States launched military strikes on Iran in response to Israel’s impending action, instead asserting that he may have “forced Israel’s hand” in accelerating the confrontation.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump pushed back against suggestions that Washington was drawn into the conflict because Israel was preparing to strike first. Instead, he portrayed the US operation as intentional, preemptive, and strategically decisive.
“They were going to attack if we didn’t do it. They were going to attack first,” Trump said when asked whether the United States acted because of Israeli pressure. “I had strong feelings about that.”
‘We Were Ready’: Trump’s Preemptive Framing
The President went a step further, suggesting that if anyone accelerated the timeline, it was him — not Israel.
“If anything, I may have forced Israel’s hand,” Trump remarked. “Both Israel and we were prepared, and we’ve had a very, very powerful impact because they’ve lost almost everything. Their missile count is now drastically declining.”
The comments underscore Trump’s view that the US strikes were not reactive but proactive — aimed at neutralising what he described as an imminent Iranian threat.
His framing positions the military campaign as a strategic intervention designed to prevent a broader escalation rather than a reluctant alignment with Israeli plans.
Contradiction With Marco Rubio’s Remarks
Trump’s statement appears to contrast with remarks made a day earlier by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that Washington authorised strikes after concluding that Israel was on the verge of launching unilateral military action against Iran.
Rubio’s explanation implied that US engagement was partly shaped by the belief that Israel might act independently, potentially triggering wider instability.
Trump’s latest comments, however, attempt to shift that narrative — presenting the operation as a deliberate American decision rather than a move compelled by alliance dynamics.
“We Have to Finish Off the Military”
The President hinted that operations may not yet be complete.
“We’ll see what happens in Iran, but first we have to finish off the military,” Trump said, without elaborating on what further action could involve.
His remarks suggest that the campaign could continue until what he views as Iran’s military capabilities are sufficiently degraded.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned of retaliation. Iranian news agencies quoted a senior Revolutionary Guards official as stating that Tehran would target “all regional economic centers” if its primary facilities were attacked.
Oil, Trade and Diplomatic Fallout
Beyond the battlefield, Trump addressed economic and diplomatic implications of the escalating conflict.
He offered mixed assessments of US allies, stating, “I’m not happy with the UK either, but Germany has been great on Iran.”
In a striking comment, Trump also said, “We’re going to cut all trade with Spain,” adding that he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to clear off all dealings with Spain following Iran’s response. He did not provide specific details about the reasoning behind the move.
On diplomatic preparedness, Trump acknowledged that there was “no evacuation plan for embassies because it happened very quickly,” indicating how rapidly the situation unfolded.
Oil Price Concerns and Market Reaction
Amid fears of rising energy prices, Trump downplayed the possibility of sustained disruption.
“You could have oil prices for a little while, but [they] will drop,” he predicted, suggesting that any spike in petroleum prices would be temporary once Iranian actions subside.
Global markets have been closely monitoring developments, given Iran’s strategic position in Global energy supply chains and shipping routes.
A Cryptic Remark on Iran’s Leadership
In a brief but notable statement, Trump suggested that “someone from within might be more appropriate for Iran,” without clarifying what he meant.
The comment is likely to attract attention in Tehran, as speculation grows over potential political shifts within Iran amid the escalating confrontation.
A Widening Confrontation
With US military operations ongoing and Iranian officials warning of retaliation, the exchange of sharp statements reflects a confrontation that now carries implications beyond the immediate battlefield.
Trump’s insistence that he may have compelled Israel to act — rather than being drawn in by Israeli strategy — highlights the delicate balance between alliance coordination and independent decision-making.
As tensions continue to mount, the unfolding crisis is poised to influence regional stability, global oil markets, and diplomatic relations across Europe and the Middle East.
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