Trump Defends Iran Military Action Amidst Ongoing Conflict

US President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, affirmed the popularity of military measures taken against Iran despite facing criticism. His remarks came a day after he postponed a scheduled air strike. Trump emphasised the United States' position on preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons, citing the threat posed by the country's leadership. He stated, "Whether it’s popular or not, I have to do it because I'm not going to let the world be blown up on my watch. It’s not going to happen." During the briefing, Trump revealed he had been moments away from authorising a strike before deciding to delay it. The postponement followed a reported peace proposal from Tehran to the US. Trump indicated that he had received urging from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates not to proceed with military action, anticipating potential diplomatic progress. However, officials from these nations denied any advance knowledge of the proposed strike. In addressing future military engagement, Trump indicated that US forces should be ready for a significant escalation if negotiations do not yield results. He suggested that Iran's leadership is keen on reaching an agreement, hinting that another military response could occur in the near future. "Well, I mean, I’m saying two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, something, maybe early next week, a limited period of time, because we can’t let them have a new nuclear weapon," Trump added. Analysts contend that Trump aims to conclude the conflict through negotiations that would allow him to assert a form of victory while maintaining political stability. The ongoing conflict, initiated on February 28, 2026, following fatal strikes against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has yet to achieve its primary goal of inhibiting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Although military strikes have diminished since a ceasefire in early April, shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz remains obstructed due to Iranian restrictions and the US naval blockade. Pressured to secure terms that would reopen this important route, Trump has expressed cautious optimism about nearing a deal, while also warning of intensified military action if Iran does not comply. Tehran's latest peace proposal reportedly includes a call for an end to hostilities on multiple fronts, the withdrawal of US forces from nearby regions, and compensation for damages incurred during the US-Israeli military campaign. However, geopolitical analysts suggest that the stipulations may prove unacceptable to the US, casting doubt on the likelihood of a durable peace agreement in the forthcoming days.