Overview
- A New York Times poll, released Monday, found 64% say attacking Iran was the wrong decision and 65% disapprove of President Trump's handling.
- Pressed on Fox News about the negative numbers, Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said the president acts for U.S. security rather than to follow polls.
- Trump disclosed Monday he canceled a planned U.S. strike after Gulf partners asked him to hold back.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 2 the early strikes were preemptive to head off expected attacks on U.S. troops after an Israeli action.
- Subsequent coverage reported officials claimed Iran neared a nuclear weapon, a contention described in the pieces as at odds with some U.S. intelligence assessments.