President Donald Trump said he would again authorize U.S. military action against Iran despite Republican losses, arguing the strike was necessary to keep Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes” that aired Nov. 8, Trump defended the decision and said he believed Iran wanted an agreement. He acknowledged the attack could have political costs, while arguing that preventing a nuclear weapon justified it. He also said the decision could be viewed more favorably over time.
Trump attributed Republican losses partly to opposition to the war, higher gasoline costs and dissatisfaction with some candidates he supported. He said his backing did not always translate into votes for those candidates.
He cited gasoline at $1.85 a gallon in Iowa and separately compared that figure with prices of $3.50 to $4. He argued voters blamed the war for higher fuel costs. He also pointed to opposition to the conflict and negative views of Israel as factors in the election.
Trump estimated that he held 30 rallies over roughly 28 days. He said some people did not vote because they disliked the candidates and argued the outcome would have been substantially different if his name had appeared on the ballot.
Trump said the U.S. was watching Iran’s nuclear sites and referred to a possible strike on Pickaxe Mountain. He said there was no current reason to escalate and expected negotiations to produce a deal. EconoTimes previously covered his post-election view that escalation was unnecessary.
On the economy, Trump called the messaging poor and said he might share responsibility. He described employment and stock-market results as strong, predicted people would notice an economic improvement within two to four months, and separately claimed trillions of dollars were going into factories and other construction.
