Mike Johnson defends Iran attack as move to prevent ‘staggering’ US casualties

WorldPolitics
3 Mar 2026 • 9:38 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Donald Trump's decision to attack Iran, stating it was a defensive measure to prevent a “staggering” number U.S. casualties.
  • Johnson explained that Israel was determined to act against Iran, which posed an “existential threat” due to its rapid missile development and vows to destroy Israel.
  • He argued that Trump's administration had to assess threats to U.S. troops and assets in the region, given Israel's resolve to act with or without American backing.
  • Johnson claimed that if Iran had launched its missile arsenal first, the U.S. would have suffered “staggering losses,” which were mitigated by acting preemptively.
  • He also expressed his conviction that Trump officials “did the right thing” in their actions.

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