Trump Blames Obama as U.S. Launches ‘Defensive Strikes’ Against Iran

President Donald Trump sharply criticized former President Barack Obama on Monday while defending his administration’s hardline approach toward Iran, arguing that previous administrations empowered Tehran through failed diplomacy and massive cash payments that ultimately strengthened the regime.

“Don’t forget the one who funded Iran and caused this war to happen. Obama!” Trump said while discussing the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Trump contrasted his own foreign policy posture with those of Obama and former President Joe Biden, claiming Iran only responds to strength rather than negotiation.

The comments came the same day the U.S. military confirmed it carried out defensive strikes in southern Iran after Iranian forces allegedly threatened American personnel and strategic shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to U.S. Central Command, American forces targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats that were attempting to place naval mines in the region.

“U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said in a statement.

Officials said the strikes focused on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps assets, including two vessels reportedly laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz and a surface-to-air missile site in Bandar Abbas that had targeted U.S. warplanes.

“These were defensive strikes,” one senior U.S. official told reporters, emphasizing that the actions were not intended to end the current ceasefire framework but rather to protect American troops and maritime operations.

Explosions were reported Monday in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask, all located near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant percentage of the world’s oil supply passes each day.