Speaking at a campaign rally in Michigan on Saturday, Obama questioned the administration’s portrayal of the military campaign as a success, claiming the fighting had exposed American troops, military installations and regional allies to greater danger.
He also argued that the conflict had strengthened Tehran’s strategic position, particularly over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Obama blamed Trump’s decision to launch the war, saying it was unnecessary and lacked public backing.
“The most important of which was he decided to start an unnecessary war nobody asked for and nobody voted for,” Obama said, criticising the president’s handling of the crisis.
The former president also pointed to the impact of the conflict on American service members and consumers, citing the deaths of US troops and rising prices as consequences of the military action.
Obama contrasted Trump’s approach with the diplomatic strategy pursued by his administration, particularly the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.
Under that deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran accepted restrictions on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement was intended to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons through monitoring and limits on its nuclear activities.
Defending his record, Obama said his administration had pursued negotiations rather than military action to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“I didn’t have to fire a missile. I engaged in diplomacy,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the continuing divide in American politics over how Washington should deal with Iran, with Obama advocating diplomatic engagement and questioning whether Trump’s military strategy had delivered the intended results.
The criticism also raises broader questions about the war’s long-term consequences, including regional security, energy prices and the strategic balance in the Middle East.
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