"There absolutely was an imminent threat. We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces. If we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties. This had to happen, no matter what."
"The United States and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran on February 28, targeting what officials described as missile sites and military infrastructure. The strikes marked one of the most direct confrontations between Washington and Tehran in years and immediately triggered a regional escalation."
"Iran responded by firing missiles at US bases in several Persian Gulf states, widening the conflict beyond Israeli-Iranian hostilities and raising fears of a broader regional war. US military officials said American air defenses intercepted many incoming projectiles, though some bases reported damage and casualties."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified American strikes on Iranian targets as preemptive action against an imminent threat to American forces. He explained the strikes were necessary because Israeli military action would have triggered Iranian attacks on US personnel, and preemptive measures would reduce casualties. The US and Israel launched large-scale offensive operations on February 28 targeting Iranian missile sites and military infrastructure. Iran responded by firing missiles at US bases in the Persian Gulf region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi characterized US actions as entering a war of choice on behalf of Israel. President Trump indicated further military operations would continue, describing upcoming attacks as a sustained campaign.
#us-iran-military-conflict #preemptive-strikes #middle-east-escalation #israeli-american-military-operations
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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