Former Air Force secretary questions ‘advice’ Trump received before starting Iran war

Former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III raised a question about the decision‑making process that led President Donald Trump into military action against Iran. On Sunday, Kendall appeared on ABC’s “This Week” with host Martha Raddatz and asked, “What I don’t understand, frankly, about the Iran war is what advice was given to the president that led him to start this conflict?” The comment follows the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and the subsequent escalation that drew the two nations into a near‑war.

Kendall, who served as Air Force Secretary from 2017 to 2019, has long been a critic of the Trump administration’s approach to Middle Eastern policy. By questioning the counsel that shaped the president’s decision, he is highlighting concerns over the transparency and accountability of the executive branch’s military strategies. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the legality and strategic wisdom of the U.S. strike and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

The former secretary’s remarks underscore the continuing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s foreign‑policy decisions. As analysts and lawmakers reassess the events that led to the Iran confrontation, Kendall’s question serves as a reminder of the importance of clear, evidence‑based advice in shaping national security actions.