President Donald Trump has rejected the growing assertion that it was Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that forced the United States into this war with Iran.
He was reacting to the US and Israel joint military strikes against Iran in an operation called Operation Epic Fury, which has now escalated into open conflict. Trump has defended the campaign as a success, while facing pushback from parts of his own base.
When asked if Israel dragged the US into the conflict, he replied, “No, I might have forced their hand.”
He explained that failed negotiations led him to believe Iran would attack first. “You see, we were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first,” Trump stated.
“So if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.”
This response came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that the US knew an Israeli action would trigger attacks on American forces.
Rubio added, “We knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.”
Trump’s comments aimed to counter anger from some MAGA supporters who saw the war as driven by Israel. Conservative voices like Tucker Carlson called it “Israel’s war” and argued it does not serve US interests.
Matt Walsh criticized Rubio’s remarks as damaging. Megyn Kelly said it is fair to question if the conflict justifies American losses.
The strikes began around February 28, 2026, and continue into March. The US and Israel have targeted Iranian military sites, leadership, and infrastructure. Dozens of Iranian leaders died, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump has spoken to the nation twice, pushing for regime change without naming a replacement. He first said the war would last four to five weeks, then added the US could fight longer if needed. He rejected Iran’s calls for peace talks, posting on Truth Social, “Too late.”
Trump boasted about military gains. He claims Iran’s navy, air force, radar, and much of its missile systems are “knocked out.”
“We had a very very powerful impact because virtually everything they have has been knocked out now,” he told reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
He claimed high praise for the action and predicted oil prices would drop after the conflict ends.
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