'Iran Started the War with Us': Donald Trump Defends US Military Action and Dismisses Ceasefire
U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly defended ongoing military operations against Iran, asserting that Tehran initiated the conflict and leaving Washington with no other option. Addressing a campaign rally in Mississippi, Trump reiterated claims made by a fellow Republican lawmaker that the United States did not seek war, but was forced into it by Iranian aggression.
No Alternative: Trump Justifies Military Action
Speaking on the necessity of the offensive, Trump stated that the U.S. had to take decisive action to counter growing Iranian threats, adding that such military measures should have been carried out much earlier.
"I was fully prepared to take this step because we really had no other alternative left. This should have been done long ago."
— Donald Trump, U.S. President
Trump also addressed the economic fallout of the military campaign, particularly concerning global energy markets. He admitted expecting oil prices to spike much higher following the onset of strikes, but maintained that the geopolitical risks necessitated immediate intervention.
Ceasefire Called a 'Waste of Time' Amid Missile Threat Claims
Reflecting on previous diplomatic efforts, Trump dismissed an earlier temporary ceasefire arrangement with Iran, calling it a "waste of time." Following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes launched on February 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation against regional Gulf bases hosting U.S. forces, Pakistan had brokered a temporary truce in April. Initially intended for two weeks, the ceasefire was extended indefinitely before Trump officially declared its termination on July 8 amid ongoing skirmishes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump further alleged that Iran had developed long-range ballistic missiles capable of striking major Western targets, including European nations and metropolitan areas within the U.S. mainland.
"They could have launched attacks on San Diego, Los Angeles, and cities across the United States," Trump claimed, emphasizing that neutralized security risks justified the escalation.