Media revisit Donald Trump’s previous assertions that Barack Obama would start a war with Iran for political gain.
Historical Statements
Social media users are recalling Donald Trump’s posts from when he was not yet president. In 2011, a year before elections where Barack Obama sought re-election, Trump wrote: “To be elected, Barack Obama will start a war with Iran.”
Similar comments appeared in subsequent years. In November 2013, Trump published on Twitter: “Remember, I predicted long ago that President Obama would attack Iran due to his inability to proper negotiations – lack of skills!”
Criticism of Obama
Trump repeatedly suggested that Barack Obama’s administration might lead to a conflict with Iran to divert attention from domestic problems. In October 2012, he wrote that with deteriorating polls, Obama might strike Libya or Iran because “he is desperate.” A month later, Obama was elected to a second term.
In September 2013, Trump argued that Obama “at some point will attack Iran to save face” and “show how tough he is,” while suggesting negotiations would be a better solution.
Soleimani Killing and Current Situation
Media returned to Trump’s archival comments in January 2020, after the US president ordered the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Trump stated he acted to “end the war, not start it.” Now, after further US attacks on Iranian targets, his old words about a supposed “war for re-election” are being recalled.
The current situation in the Middle East remains tense, with the US administration emphasizing that military actions result from current threat assessments. Trump stated these actions aim to overthrow Iranian Islamic governments and ensure American citizens’ safety.
