Trump says he won't rush into ending the Iran war and denies Israel pushed him into strikes

President Donald Trump said Monday he won't be rushed into ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, pushing back against mounting pressure to secure a swift peace deal. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump insisted the decision to launch strikes was entirely his own and not influenced by Israeli leadership, despite reports suggesting otherwise. "I made this decision based on what's best for America, not what's best for any other country," he said.

The remarks come just days after Trump claimed a major breakthrough in negotiations with Iran, only for those hopes to quickly fade. Critics now question whether a real agreement was ever within reach. Some analysts suggest the administration may have overhyped a fragile opening, while others argue Trump's unpredictable style undercut diplomatic efforts before they could gain traction. "Did the momentum collapse because of bad faith, or was it never really there to begin with?" asked one foreign policy expert. "Either way, the window may already be closed."

Trump specifically denied claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu played a role in pushing him toward military action. "Israel never talked me into the war with Iran," he said, addressing reports that Netanyahu had urged stronger measures in recent weeks. Al Jazeera and The Hill both reported growing skepticism abroad about the U.S. rationale for the strikes, particularly as the conflict contributes to rising global oil prices and supply disruptions.

At home, the war has deepened an already strained energy market, with gasoline prices climbing and inflation concerns resurfacing. Public support for the conflict appears fragile, and Democrats have intensified calls for transparency and a clear exit strategy. Yet, as outlets like Reason point out, neither impeachment nor invocation of the 25th Amendment seems politically feasible, given the current balance of power in Congress.

Left-leaning critics are framing the situation as part of a broader pattern of self-serving governance. The American Prospect questioned whether Trump sabotaged his own deal, while Slate tied the administration's actions to a larger narrative of corruption and democratic erosion. On the right, the Washington Examiner echoed Trump's stance that Democrats are exploiting the crisis for political gain, accusing them of undermining national security for partisan advantage.

Still, the lack of a clear path forward leaves many wondering what comes next. Diplomatic channels appear strained, military outcomes uncertain, and domestic patience thin. With no quick resolution in sight, the administration faces the challenge of maintaining both strategic credibility and public trust.

For now, Trump remains defiant. "We don't make deals under pressure," he said. "We make deals when they're right for America. And that time isn't now."