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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Guardian staff

Trump news at a glance: Rubio and his boss can’t seem to agree on why US attacked Iran

US secretary of state Marco Rubio speaks as Donald Trump stands behind him during a press conference on 3 January 2026.
Marco Rubio with Trump at a press conference in January. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Donald Trump attempted to counter a simmering anti-Israel backlash in Congress and among his own Maga supporters on Tuesday by denying suggestions that he had been bounced into attacking Iran because Israel had already decided to do so.

Amid growing criticism from opponents and allies, Trump rebuffed claims that he had struck Iran only because Israel had forced his hand, a suspicion fueled by comments made by the secretary of state, Marco Rubio.

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