Trump shifts Iran war blame to Hegseth

As the Iran war enters its fourth week, US President Donald Trump has indicated that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth played a key role in pushing for military action, adding a new layer to the debate over how the conflict began. Speaking at a roundtable in Tennessee, Trump suggested Hegseth was among the first to advocate intervention, citing concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. His remarks come at a time when the administration is facing growing scrutiny and offering inconsistent explanations about the origins of the war.

The reasons behind the US decision to enter the conflict remain unclear, with officials presenting different narratives. Some claim the move was necessary to support Benjamin Netanyahu amid fears of imminent Israeli action, while others argue Iran posed an immediate nuclear threat. However, no publicly available intelligence has confirmed that Iran was close to deploying a nuclear weapon, raising questions about the justification for military action.

Trump has also described Iran’s retaliatory strikes across Gulf nations as unexpected, a claim that contrasts with reports suggesting US intelligence agencies had issued prior warnings. The conflict has since intensified tensions across the region, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. Meanwhile, Hegseth has remained the central figure in communicating US military objectives, focusing on weakening Iran’s missile systems, drone capabilities, and naval strength, though without providing a clear timeline for the operation.

Reports of internal divisions within the administration have further complicated the situation. Vice President JD Vance is believed to have had reservations, while figures like Rupert Murdoch were reportedly supportive of military action. The resignation of senior official Joe Kent highlights these tensions. At the same time, claims by Trump of backchannel talks involving Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have been denied by Iran, leaving the situation uncertain as the conflict continues with no clear direction.