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Trump Claims Ex-President Backed Iran War; Denials Follow

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Donald Trump claimed that a former U.S. president privately supported his war in Iran, a statement denied by all four living past presidents.
Trump, 79, asserted that this unnamed president wished he had taken similar action but refused to identify him, citing concerns about causing trouble.
A spokesperson for Bill Clinton stated he had not spoken to Trump about the war, while representatives for George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden confirmed no recent communication.
The war has led to significant casualties and rising global energy prices.

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Story summary

Donald Trump claimed that a former U.S. president privately supported his war in Iran, a statement denied by all four living past presidents.
Trump, 79, asserted that this unnamed president wished he had taken similar action but refused to identify him, citing concerns about causing trouble.
A spokesperson for Bill Clinton stated he had not spoken to Trump about the war, while representatives for George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden confirmed no recent communication.
The war has led to significant casualties and rising global energy prices.