Trump Refutes Claims Israel Led US Into War, Cites Iran Threat Assessment

President Trump rejected suggestions that Israel influenced America into military action, arguing Iran posed an imminent threat. Speaking during a Tuesday press conference with German Chancellor Frederick Merz, Trump claimed Iranian leaders were preparing to attack first.

During a Tuesday press conference at the White House, President Trump pushed back against allegations that Israel influenced the United States into military conflict, arguing instead that Iranian leadership posed an immediate threat to strike first.

Speaking alongside German Chancellor Frederick Merz in the Oval Office, Trump addressed reporters’ questions about the circumstances leading to current military operations. “We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that [the Iranians] were going to attack first,” the president stated.

Trump emphasized his conviction about Iran’s intentions, telling reporters: “They were going to attack. If we didn’t do it, they were going to attack first. I felt strongly about that.”

The president went further, suggesting he may have influenced Israel’s decision-making rather than the reverse. “So if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand,” he remarked.

This statement comes amid conflicting intelligence assessments. The Pentagon informed Congress on Sunday that no intelligence supported the idea that Iran was preparing a preemptive attack.

The controversy emerged following Monday briefings by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to key congressional leaders, where Rubio reportedly indicated American military actions began based on expectations that Israel was planning to launch strikes.

Addressing Iran’s current military status, Trump declared during the same press conference that ongoing conflict has severely damaged Iranian capabilities. “Just about everything’s been knocked out. So we’ll see how we do,” the president said.

Trump also expressed concerns about potential leadership changes in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran beginning February 28.

“I guess the worst case would be—we do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person … That could happen,” Trump acknowledged.

The president expressed hope for new Iranian leadership that would benefit the population. “We’d like to see somebody in there that’s going to bring it back for the people,” Trump added.

Trump cautioned Iranian citizens against street demonstrations while military operations continue.

When questioned about exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi potentially leading Iran, Trump described him as seeming like a decent person but indicated preference for leadership from someone currently residing within Iran.