In a new statement from the White House, during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, US President Donald Trump declared that he had the feeling Iran was about to attack first, “based on the direction the negotiations were heading.” He even suggested that he may have been the one who “forced” Israel into war with Iran and not the other way around.
“We were negotiating with these crazy people and my opinion was that they would attack first if we didn’t do it. I had a strong feeling about that,” Trump stated during the joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He emphasized that he “didn’t want this to happen” and for that reason, he may have pushed Israel to act. “But Israel was ready. And we were ready,” Trump commented. He added that he, like other Middle Eastern countries, was surprised by the attacks against them.
Trump: There was another strike against Iran’s leadership
The US President accused Tehran of attacking countries “that have nothing to do with what’s happening,” adding that Iran only strikes “civilian targets.” At the same time, he mentioned that the country “no longer has air defense and detection systems.”
Trump also noted that “there was another strike today against the new leadership,” while claiming that “many people in Iran are seeking asylum.” When asked what could be the worst-case scenario in Iran, he replied that “I suppose the worst would be if we do all this and then someone takes over who is just as bad as the previous one, right?” he answered. “That could happen.”
When asked who he would want to take over, he gave a blunt response: “Most of those we had in mind are dead.”
He added that the “alternative solution” after those individuals is now also dead.
Criticism of Britain and Spain
Trump criticized US European allies who don’t align with his military initiatives, saying: “We will cut off all trade relations with Spain, we don’t want any relationship with Spain.” He also added: “By the way, I’m not satisfied with the United Kingdom either.”
“We’re not dealing with Winston Churchill,” he characteristically stated.
In contrast, he said that Germany allows the US to land at certain locations when deemed necessary, clarifying: “We’re not asking them to send ground troops.”
