Show notes
President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, defending the military campaign as necessary to prevent a larger nuclear threat and asserting that Iran's air force, navy, and missile capabilities have been largely "knocked out." He denied claims that Israel, under Netanyahu, forced the U.S. into the war, instead claiming that "if anything, I might have forced Israel's hand" because he believed Iran was preparing to attack first amid failed negotiations. In a key moment, Trump announced new strikes targeting Iranian leadership and speculated on post-regime possibilities, noting that many potential moderate successors "are dead" after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He also threatened to cut off all trade ties with Spain, calling the country "terrible" and "unfriendly" for refusing to allow U.S. use of its military bases. Overall, Trump portrayed Operation Epic Fury as progressing ahead of schedule, while the conflict widened with Iranian retaliatory strikes on Gulf targets and U.S. pledges to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.WE ALSO COVER: Jasmine Crockett blames GOP after loss. Texas GOP seat goes to a runoff. New Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei chosen. Candance Owens is a GRIFTER! U.S. military shoots down a drone in Texas.1:33:57 CBS News on Why the U.S. Attacked Iran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices