Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington DC, Mar 24: Donald Trump has appeared to shift responsibility for launching military strikes against Iran onto Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, as the conflict entered its fourth week and scrutiny over Washington’s role deepened.

Speaking at a public roundtable of the Memphis Safe Task Force on Monday, Trump said Hegseth was among the first senior officials to advocate military action. “You said, ‘Let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,’” Trump remarked, with the defence chief seated beside him.

The comments have sparked debate in United States over internal decision-making within the administration, with questions mounting over who pushed for the strikes.

Trump said he had consulted multiple officials, including military leaders, before authorising the operation, citing what he described as an escalating threat from Iran.

At the same time, uncertainty continues over claims of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. Trump stated that the US was in discussions with Iran and had delayed, by five days, plans to strike Iranian power infrastructure, linking the pause to “very good” recent talks.

He said envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, had engaged with Iranian representatives, raising the possibility of a negotiated settlement.

However, Iran dismissed the claims, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denying any talks and calling the reports “fake news” aimed at influencing oil markets and diverting attention from the conflict.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the assertions, accusing the US of attempting to manage energy prices and gain time amid ongoing military operations.