US President Donald Trump said on Monday he was “shocked” by Iran’s decision to attack US allies in the Gulf region, while US officials and intelligence sources indicated that such retaliation was expected before the conflict began, according to Reuters. The comments come as the US-Israeli war over Iran enters its third week, with hostilities expanding beyond the initial target to engulf major parts of the Middle East. Iranian drone and missile attacks have increasingly targeted US military bases and allied infrastructure across the Gulf, raising concerns of escalating broader regional tensions.
“They (Iran) should not have gone after all these countries in the Middle East,” Trump said. “Nobody expected this. We were surprised.” He later repeated the claim, saying: “No one, no one, no, no, no. The biggest experts, no one thought they were going to be hit.” His comments come amid growing scrutiny over whether Washington adequately assessed the risks of retaliation before Israel launched the strikes on Iran on February 28. The growing scope of attacks, including civilian and energy infrastructure, has raised questions over the trajectory of the conflict and its global impacts.
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Intelligence had flagged the risk of widespread retaliation
However, a US official and multiple sources familiar with the intelligence assessment told Reuters that an Iranian response, including attacks on countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, was considered a likely outcome.Pre-war assessments did not say retaliation was certain, but it was “on the list of possible outcomes”, one source said. Officials also said Trump was told that attacking Iran could trigger a broader regional conflict, especially if Tehran perceives Gulf states as supporting US operations.He further indicated that Washington had been warned that Iran might attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz. Rockets and at least five drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday in what Iraqi sources described as the most intense attack since the war began. No injuries were reported by US officials.Iran also launched missile attacks on Israel overnight, while the Israeli military said it was targeting “Iranian regime infrastructure” in Tehran and Hezbollah-linked sites in Beirut.
disruption in the strait of hormuz impact on global markets
The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Iran has effectively blocked most traffic through the route using drones and naval mines. Oil prices rose more than 5% on Tuesday amid supply concerns, with the market reacting to prolonged disruptions and rising geopolitical risks. Analysts warned of potential inflationary pressures and slower global growth.
Debate on the propriety of war
The intelligence revelations have also raised questions about the propriety of US involvement in Israel’s military operation against Iran on February 28. Some Democratic lawmakers said the briefing provided no evidence of an imminent threat that would require immediate military action.The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately comment on the intelligence assessment, Reuters reported.
war toll grows
According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi, at least 2,000 people have been killed across the region in the conflict, including more than 200 Iranian children.