Trump Blames Obama and Biden for Iran Strikes, Promotes Hannity as Conflict Escalates

President Donald Trump on Monday defended the latest U.S. military strikes against Iran by placing responsibility squarely on his predecessors, former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, arguing their policies left him no choice but to act.

In a series of posts and public remarks, Trump claimed that terminating the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon years ago. He asserted that if the deal had remained in place, Iran “would have had a Nuclear Weapon three years ago,” calling the agreement “the most dangerous transaction we have ever entered into.”

The JCPOA, negotiated under the Obama administration, placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement during his first term in 2018. Critics argue the withdrawal weakened diplomatic leverage, while supporters contend it removed a flawed arrangement.

Renewed Strikes and Escalation

The latest round of U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted military infrastructure and leadership figures in Tehran, following heightened tensions and prior attacks in recent months. The operation marks the second major U.S. military engagement with Iran in six months.

Trump has not delivered a formal Oval Office address outlining the scope or objectives of the campaign. However, in multiple media interviews — including a rare appearance on CNN — he described the effort as part of a broader, multi-week strategy aimed at neutralizing what he characterized as a regime threat.

“We haven’t even started hitting them hard,” Trump said in a phone interview, suggesting the campaign could intensify.

At the same time, Iran launched retaliatory strikes at U.S. bases and regional allies. The State Department issued advisories urging Americans in Israel and 13 other countries in the region to depart immediately. Widespread airspace closures have complicated civilian travel, with commercial flights largely suspended.

Political Messaging

Beyond the military rationale, Trump’s remarks quickly turned political.

He criticized Democrats who questioned the legality or strategic wisdom of the strikes, framing opposition as partisan reflex rather than policy disagreement. Trump suggested critics would have attacked him for inaction had he not ordered the strikes.

Neither Obama nor Biden has publicly responded to the latest accusations. Both administrations previously defended diplomatic engagement with Iran as a mechanism to curb nuclear development without military conflict.

The debate over the nuclear deal remains central to Trump’s argument. Supporters of the JCPOA maintain that international inspectors confirmed Iranian compliance in the early years of the agreement. Opponents, including Trump, have long argued that the deal provided sanctions relief without permanently eliminating Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Media Appearances and Political Base

While refraining from a formal national address, Trump has engaged in a broad media tour, speaking to multiple outlets and encouraging supporters to watch an upcoming interview between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Observers note that the messaging appears tailored toward energizing his political base, particularly amid slipping approval ratings and renewed scrutiny tied to unrelated controversies.

Trump also continued broader commentary throughout the day, including reactions to last week’s State of the Union address and other domestic issues, blending foreign policy messaging with campaign-style rhetoric.

Broader Context

The strikes come at a volatile moment in the region. Analysts caution that military escalation could trigger prolonged instability, especially if Iran continues retaliatory actions or regional proxies become involved.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously reported that while Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has been damaged by prior strikes, significant uranium stockpiles and technical capacity remain intact.

With diplomatic channels strained and military activity expanding, the long-term trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain.

For now, Trump maintains the strikes were necessary to counter a growing threat — while critics question whether military escalation could further destabilize the region.

The situation continues to develop as the administration signals readiness to expand operations if deemed necessary.