Trump Insists Israel Did Not Pressure US on Iran Attack
President Donald Trump asserted that Israel did not compel the United States to initiate strikes against Iran over the weekend.
"I think they were going to attack first, and I didn’t want that to happen. So, if anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand," Trump said to reporters. "We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they [Iran] were going to attack first."
He highlighted the significant impact of the strikes, stating that "virtually everything they have has been knocked out," and expressed surprise at Iran's retaliatory strikes against multiple neighboring countries in the Middle East.
"Now those countries are all fighting against them and fighting strongly against them," Trump added.
These remarks appear to contradict statements from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated on Monday that the US struck Iran after Israel planned to attack first.
The US military has targeted more than 1,700 locations in Iran since operations began on Saturday, according to an update from US Central Command, as reported by Lucy Campbell.
Further updates are available in the Middle East blog.
US Pentagon Official Distances US from Killing of Iranian Leader
On Tuesday, the Pentagon’s policy chief distanced the United States from the killing of senior Iranian leaders, attributing the strike to Israel.
During testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Elbridge Colby stated the strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian figures was not part of the US military campaign, according to AFP.
"Those are Israeli operations," Colby said, responding to lawmakers who questioned whether regime change was a US objective.
Colby’s measured tone contrasted with President Trump’s more expansive statements since the strikes began.
On social media, Trump claimed Khamenei was "unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems" and that "working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do."
Colby described the primary US targets as Iran’s missile capabilities, which have grown substantially, its weapons production capacity, and elements of the Iranian navy. He characterized these as "scoped and reasonable objectives that can be attained."
When pressed by Senator Jack Reed, the panel’s top Democrat, on how Khamenei’s killing aligned with these objectives, Colby reiterated he was "talking about the goals of the American military campaign."
Upcoming Texas Senate Primaries Mark Start of 2026 Midterm Cycle
On Tuesday, the first votes of the 2026 midterm election cycle will be cast in Texas, featuring high-profile US Senate primaries that will test both parties’ appetite for political change in the Trump era.
Voters statewide will select nominees for a critical Senate seat and several key congressional contests reshaped by a mid-decade gerrymander orchestrated by Donald Trump to maintain the GOP’s fragile House majority.
Early voting has surged, particularly among Democrats, while political advertising spending has reached record levels for a Texas Senate primary, according to AdImpact data.
Most of the spending supports four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn as he faces a challenge from Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general known for his conservative cultural positions and involvement in scandals.
Cornyn, 74, emphasizes his seniority and alignment with the president, while Paxton, 64, positions himself as a MAGA vanguard willing to confront both Democrats and Republicans.
On the Democratic side, State Representative James Talarico campaigns across deep-red counties that supported Trump, advocating a "politics of love" grounded in his Christian faith. The 36-year-old former teacher and seminary student argues the central political divide is "not left v right" but "top v bottom," aiming to rebuild trust in rural and suburban areas without abandoning core Democratic values.
Talarico faces Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a progressive known for her strong opposition to Trump and Republicans, who entered the race just before the filing deadline. Crockett, 44, promotes high turnout among young voters and voters of color as key to winning statewide, rather than ideological moderation.
US Lawmakers Criticize State Department Over Lack of Evacuation Flights
US lawmakers have criticized the State Department for failing to organize government evacuation flights amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, leaving many Americans stranded.
Democratic Senator Andy Kim stated on X, "Warnings to citizens to evacuate 3 days into this war, when airspace is closed, is a clear sign of ZERO strategy and planning by the Trump admin. Now Americans have limited options to evacuate at an extremely dangerous moment with no government assistance. This administration is failing its citizens."
When asked about the absence of an evacuation plan, Trump responded in the Oval Office on Tuesday, "it all happened very quickly."
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy tweeted, "So the State Department is forcing everyone to immediately leave the region but is also refusing to help people leave the region. Incompetence everywhere."
The State Department did not immediately clarify how Americans should depart without commercial flights or whether evacuation flights were planned, reported.
The US Embassy stated on its website, "The US embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel. Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there."
Trump Threatens to Cut Trade with Spain Over Military Base Access
Donald Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain after the country refused to allow US use of jointly operated military bases for strikes on Iran.
Speaking with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said,
"Spain has been terrible,"and Merz added that he instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut off all dealings" with Spain.
Trump stated, "We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain."
The threat followed comments from Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who downplayed any retaliatory actions.
"The bases used jointly with the US are Spanish sovereign bases that operate within the framework of the treaty with the United States, and it is within that premise – of our sovereignty and the treaty framework – that they can be used," Albares said after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. "Therefore, there is nothing strange or surprising about it, and we do not expect any consequences whatsoever."
Albares also noted that Washington had not requested use of the bases in Rota and Morón.
"I haven’t had a single conversation with any US representatives nor have I had any requests regarding that," he added.
Trump criticized Spain again for rejecting NATO’s proposal for member states to increase defense spending.
"Everybody was enthusiastic about it – Germany, everybody – and Spain didn’t do it," he said. "And now Spain said we can’t use their bases – and that’s OK. We could use their bases; if we wanted, we could just fly in and use it. Nobody’s going to tell us not to use it. But we don’t have to. But they were unfriendly."
Spanish government sources responded:
"Spain is a key NATO member that fulfils its commitments and makes a significant contribution to the defence of European territory. It is also a major exporting force within the EU and a reliable trading partner for 195 countries worldwide - including the United States, with whom we maintain a longstanding and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
"If the US administration wishes to review this relationship, it must do so respecting the autonomy of private companies, international law, and bilateral agreements between the European Union and the United States.
"Our country has the necessary resources to mitigate potential impacts, to support sectors that could be affected, and to diversify supply chains. In any case, the Spanish government’s commitment is – and always will be – to work for free trade and economic cooperation between countries, based on mutual respect and compliance with international law. Because what the public demands and deserves is greater prosperity, not more problems."
During his meeting with Merz, Trump expressed appreciation for Germany’s cooperation in allowing US military operations.
"They’re just making it comfortable," Trump said. "We’re not asking them to put boots on the ground."
Trump Says Most Potential Iranian Successors Are Dead
When asked about potential successors in Iran, President Trump stated that most individuals the administration considered are deceased.
"Most of the people we had in mind are dead," he said. He also noted that others from "another group" may be dead, based on reports.
Regarding rising oil prices following the strikes, Trump expressed confidence that price increases would be temporary.
"As soon as this ends, those prices are going to drop, I believe, lower than even before," the president said.
Chancellor Merz had limited opportunity to speak but expressed concern about the war’s economic impact.
"This is true for the oil prices, and this is true for the gas prices as well," he said. "That’s the reason why we all hope that this war will come to an end as soon as possible."
Trump Criticizes UK Prime Minister Starmer for Not Supporting US Strikes
Trump also criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to support US strikes on Iran.
Starmer has permitted limited use of British bases for defensive purposes in the Gulf and Middle East but has opposed offensive actions, citing opposition to "regime change from the skies."
"I’m not happy with the UK either," Trump said. "This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with," referring to Starmer.
Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with the UK’s handling of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which was transferred to Mauritius.
"They ruin relationships, it’s a shame," Trump said, despite a cordial relationship with Starmer since returning to the White House last year.
During the Oval Office meeting with Merz, Trump reiterated his criticism of Spain’s refusal to allow US use of jointly operated military bases amid ongoing strikes on Iran.
"Spain has absolutely nothing that we need other than great people. They have great people, but they don’t have great leadership," Trump said, repeating criticism of Spain’s rejection of NATO’s defense spending proposal.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that despite a recent Supreme Court ruling invalidating many of Trump’s tariffs, the administration retains legal avenues to impose duties.
Trump described the "worst possible outcome" of the US-Israel conflict with Iran as the rise of a new leader "as bad" as Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed in the recent air strikes.
Trump advised Iranians not to protest yet, saying, "It’s very dangerous out there, a lot of bombs are being dropped."
He compared potential leadership changes in Iran to the US operation that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, noting the government remained intact.
"We kept government totally intact," Trump said. "We have Delcy [Rodriuez] who’s been very good … the relationship has been great."
Trump stated that the US and Israel are targeting Iran "where it is much more appropriate," despite the worst mass casualty incident occurring in southern Iran.
"We’re hitting them very hard," Trump said. "They no longer have air protection. They no longer have any detection facilities at all left. And so they’re going to they’re going to be in for a lot of hurt. These are bad people."
Merz also emphasized the importance of ending the war in Ukraine.
"There are too many bad guys in this world, actually. And, this is an issue we have to talk about, because we all want to see this, war coming to an end as soon as possible," Merz said. "But Ukraine has to preserve its territory and their security interests."
Trump and Merz Meet at White House, Praise Success of Iran Strikes
In his first in-person meeting with an ally since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began, President Trump welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the White House.
Trump said,
"We’ll obviously be talking a little bit about Iran today, and he’s been helping us out."
He highlighted the military success of the operation:
"They have no navy it’s been knocked out. They have no air force has been knocked out. They have no air detection that’s been knocked out. Their radar has been knocked out, and just about everything’s been knocked out," Trump said of the Iranian regime. "We’re doing very well."
Senator Kennedy Questions DHS Spending Featuring Governor Noem
Senator John Kennedy questioned Homeland Security Secretary about the department’s $220 million expenditure on television advertisements prominently featuring Governor Kristi Noem.
He noted the contract was awarded to a strategy group led by Noem’s former spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin.
"They went out to a competitive bid, and career officials at the Department chose who would do those advertising commercials," Noem responded. "I did not have anything to do with picking those contractors."
Top Congressional Democrats Demand Clarity on US War Strategy
Ahead of a classified briefing for all members of Congress on the US war with Iran, leading Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the Trump administration demanding detailed information on the conflict strategy.
The letter, addressed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, criticized the administration for failing to provide clear objectives, legal justification, and strategy.
"The decision to initiate or expand armed conflict is among the gravest responsibilities entrusted to our government. When US forces are placed in harm’s way, Congress and the American people are owed clear objectives, legal justification, and a defined strategy. Unfortunately, to date, you have failed to articulate this information," the letter states.
The lawmakers requested the briefing address legal justifications, specific US objectives, costs and impacts on military readiness, and assessments of Iran’s leadership following Khamenei’s death.
Officials briefed a smaller group of lawmakers the previous day, but Democrats reported the answers were insufficient.
Friedrich Merz Arrives at White House for Meeting with Trump
Press covering the meeting noted that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived at the White House, entering via the Executive Office Building, which houses the Vice President’s office.
