Trump contradicts his admin's own justification for launching Iran war

President Donald Trump made a stunning admission Sunday aboard Air Force One that critics said contradicted his administration's justification for the Iran war, which has cost taxpayers $65 billion and claimed at least 13 U.S. service members' lives.

Trump told reporters the United States could make a case for not being in the Middle East, adding, "maybe we shouldn't even be there at all because we don't need [oil from the region]."

He noted America is the world's top oil producer, "times two, by double." Trump added that the U.S. remains for "habit" and to support Middle East allies.

Critics quickly highlighted the contradiction with administration claims about destroying Iranian missile capabilities and preventing nuclear development. The Nation's Jeet Heer and other commentators sarcastically noted Trump had essentially acknowledged the war's fundamental lack of necessity.

Speculation has grown that Trump seeks an off-ramp amid soaring oil prices, though former security advisers suggest none exists as Iran vowed continued fighting.

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