NEW DELHI, March 24: As the Iran war enters its fourth week, Donald Trump has offered a new and shifting explanation for how the conflict began, suggesting Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was the first to advocate military action. Speaking in Tennessee, Trump said Hegseth urged him to strike Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, appearing to place early responsibility for the decision on his top defence official.
This claim adds to a series of inconsistent narratives from within the administration about the origins of the war. Different officials have cited varying justifications, including the inevitability of Israeli action and concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, raising doubts about whether there was a clear or unified strategy behind the intervention.
Trump’s account has also been questioned in light of reports that US officials had prior warnings of potential Iranian retaliation, contradicting his assertion that the attacks came as a surprise. Meanwhile, Hegseth has become the most visible figure in managing the war effort, outlining goals such as dismantling Iran’s missile, drone and naval capabilities, while declining to set a timeline for the conflict’s end.
There are also signs of internal divisions. While figures like Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly supported military action, others, including Vice President JD Vance, were said to be less enthusiastic. A senior official has already resigned over the conflict.
Despite the ongoing fighting, Trump continues to speak of possible negotiations with Iran, though Tehran denies any talks are taking place. Overall, his remarks suggest an effort to shift blame as questions over the war’s origins intensify. (Agencies)
