The Middle East conflict is falling apart, and Trump immediately shifted blame to Hegseth: "It was you who first said we should go to war."

Peace talks haven't even begun, yet Trump has already found a scapegoat.

On Monday, during a joint appearance with U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth, Trump stated that prior to the war's launch, they had conducted in-depth discussions, ultimately deciding to go to war under encouragement from others.

Trump recalled the scene, explaining that he initially proposed stirring up some activity in the Middle East to address Iran—the so-called "thorn in the eye." He then called Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Kai, and other top military officials. Hegseth was the first to express support, citing the absolute necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Notably, as Trump delivered this statement, he specifically turned to look directly at Hegseth, who could only force a strained smile in apparent agreement.

Media commentator Fevrow pointed out that Hegseth may now be set to take the fall. After all, Trump has clearly signaled a willingness to negotiate—his earlier "48-hour ultimatum" to Iran was never carried out, making it clear he’s ready for another TACO (Talk, Avoid Conflict, Optimize).

Naturally, this doesn’t mean America lost. In Trump’s narrative, America has won again—but the victory is his own, while the blame lies squarely on Hegseth.

What’s most ironic is that after the U.S. and Israel issued a joint statement saying they would begin negotiations with Iran, Iran quickly denied it, declaring it would continue striking its enemies and achieving its predetermined goals.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Kalibaf, falsely accused of leading the negotiation initiative, insisted there were no such plans—this was merely another lie by the U.S. and Israel designed to manipulate financial markets.

Evidently, Iran has finally been awakened and has completely abandoned illusions, fully recognizing America’s true nature. After all this turmoil, it’s ultimately Hegseth who must bear the full burden.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860523694646412/

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