President Donald Trump said Monday that someone must protect the world from “crazy people” with nuclear weapons, defending what he described as a preventive war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.
In an interview, Trump said the military offensive has moved faster than his administration initially anticipated. He also claimed Iran was developing a secret nuclear weapons program and argued that the perceived threat justified the decision to strike.
Despite that rationale, several polls indicate that a majority of Americans do not support the conflict. Still, Trump maintained that the international community cannot allow a hostile nation to obtain nuclear weapons.
Decades of warnings
The latest escalation follows decades of tensions. Since the 1990s, Israeli officials have repeatedly warned that Iran was nearing the capability to build a nuclear bomb, arguing that action would eventually be necessary to stop it.
Related: U.S. Military Bases, Including San Diego, Tighten Security After Strike on Iran
Nearly four decades after those early warnings, the United States and Israel launched coordinated preventive strikes in late February 2026. Both governments described the operation as a necessary step to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons development.
Iran responds as conflict widens
Following the initial bombardment, Iran retaliated with strikes targeting U.S. military bases and strategic sites inside Israel. The exchange has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
Lebanon announced its support for Iran and joined military actions, further escalating tensions. Meanwhile, France, United Kingdom, and Germany signaled their intent to back the United States and protect their interests in the region.
Keep reading: Trump Confirms U.S. Strike on Iran, Urges Citizens to Take Over their Government
Russia and China criticized the actions taken by Washington and Tel Aviv, warning that the offensive could destabilize the region further.
In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that the United Nations has failed to fulfill its responsibilities in addressing the crisis.
With tensions continuing to rise, governments around the world are closely watching what could become a far-reaching international conflict.
