'You said, let’s do it': Donald Trump blames Pete Hegseth for starting Iran war

The remarks have further complicated the narrative around the conflict, which began in late February, as questions continue over its origins and objectives.

As the US–Israel military campaign against Iran enters its fourth week, US President Donald Trump has shifted blame onto Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, claiming he was the first to advocate military action.

Speaking at a roundtable in Memphis, Trump said, “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up, and you said, ‘Let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.’”

He added, “I called Pete. I called General Kane. I called a lot of our great people. We had a problem in the Middle East, and we had a choice, either pause or take a short trip into the region and eliminate a major threat.”

Hegseth has been the public face of the military campaign, with frequently addressing the media at the Pentagon.

There are differing views on how the conflict unfolded. Some argue that Israel was prepared to strike regardless, which prompted US participation, while others claim Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon.

Trump himself has offered inconsistent explanations, at times framing the war as necessary to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and at other times describing it as a broader preemptive move to counter regional threats.

Earlier, a Reuters report said Trump agreed to launch strikes on Iran in coordination with Benjamin Netanyahu following a phone conversation. Intelligence suggesting a narrowing window to eliminate Iran’s leadership reportedly influenced Trump’s decision to authorise military action.

However, Trump has announced a temporary pause on strikes targeting Iran after the 48-hour ultimatum.

Trump's remarks have further complicated the narrative around the conflict, which began in late February, as questions continue over its origins and objectives.