(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — President Donald Trump says intelligence showed Iran was poised to strike first, driving the U.S. decision to act.
Standing with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump rejected claims Israel pulled America into war, saying, “No. I might have forced their hand,” arguing Tehran was preparing attacks and he would not wait. Trump says Iran’s navy, air force, radar, and missile stockpiles have been largely destroyed and warned the regime is “in for a lot of hurt.”
He acknowledged oil prices could rise short term but said “something had to be done.” Hours later, he directed the U.S. Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance for maritime trade in the Gulf and said the Navy could begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to protect global energy flows.
New FOX News polling finds 61% of Americans view Iran as a national security threat, but the country is split 50/50 on military action. 51% say Trump’s handling of Iran has made the U.S. less safe.
