Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy questioned President Donald Trump in the Oval Office about reports that he had not been briefed in advance on Iran’s unexpected retaliation against several Gulf nations. Doocy noted that the strikes on countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait had caught many observers off guard and asked whether the president was surprised by the lack of warning.

Trump responded that neither he nor top experts anticipated such a move. He described the targeted nations as historically neutral or relatively stable in their relations with Iran, making the attacks even more unexpected. He argued that Iran had broader ambitions in the region and claimed that U.S. actions had disrupted its nuclear capabilities, forcing a shift toward missile development instead.

The president emphasized what he characterized as the success of U.S. military efforts, stating that key elements of Iran’s missile and drone infrastructure had been significantly weakened. He also asserted that multiple layers of Iranian leadership had been eliminated, though he acknowledged some uncertainty in those reports.

Trump reiterated his criticism of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama, arguing that withdrawing from it prevented greater regional destruction. He framed recent developments as validation of that decision.

Discussing regional dynamics, Trump expressed surprise that countries with economic or geographic ties to Iran were among those targeted. He also pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that many nations rely heavily on it for energy transport and that its security remains a concern.

Finally, Trump claimed that U.S. forces had dismantled Iran’s naval capabilities related to mine-laying and drone operations, while acknowledging uncertainty about whether mines had actually been deployed.