Hassett on Iran war: 'The president had to act'

A top White House economic adviser has defended the administration’s response to recent tensions with Iran, arguing that decisive action was necessary to prevent a potential escalation. The official framed the conflict as originating from Iran’s refusal to engage in diplomatic talks, citing an imminent development that could have altered the balance of power. The remarks suggest a justification for the administration’s approach, positioning it as a preemptive measure to avoid a more severe confrontation. Critics may question whether the steps taken were proportional, but the defense underscores the urgency behind the decision-making.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett on Sunday defended President Trump's handling of the Iran war and said the president "had to act," suggesting that otherwise the outcome could have been dire. "The whole thing started because the Iranians told us we don't have to talk to you anymore, because we're two weeks from having...