US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks suggesting Israel’s planned military action prompted Washington’s preemptive strike on Iran have triggered sharp reactions across the American political spectrum, including from supporters of President Donald Trump.

Speaking on Monday, Rubio said the US knew Israel was preparing to strike Iran and believed such action would trigger Iranian retaliation against American forces, prompting Washington to act first, reports Al Jazeera.

“We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces,” Rubio said, arguing preemptive strikes would reduce casualties.

However, President Donald Trump later offered a different explanation, saying he ordered the strikes because he believed Iran was preparing broader attacks, including against Israel.

Rubio’s comments have drawn criticism from analysts and lawmakers who argue the justification may not meet US or international legal standards. Critics say the US-Israel war appears to primarily serve the interests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a long-time advocate of confronting Iran militarily.

Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders accused Trump of handing Netanyahu the war he sought, stressing that American foreign policy should be determined by US interests.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie, who is pushing for a war powers resolution, warned of economic fallout, saying rising fuel and grocery prices could follow prolonged conflict.

Even prominent voices within Trump’s “Make America Great Again” base criticised Rubio’s remarks, arguing they undermine the administration’s “America First” stance.

Lawmakers are expected to introduce war powers resolutions in Congress this week, though passage remains uncertain amid Republican support for the administration’s actions.