Washington DC, March 3 -- US President Donald Trump has defended the recent American strikes against Iran, asserting that the action was necessary to prevent a potential nuclear catastrophe and claimed that "Tehran was preparing to launch an attack first."

The conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth day following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other key figures in the Persian Gulf country. In retaliation, Tehran has responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases in Gulf countries and other Israeli assets across the region.

Responding to a question on whether Israel had compelled Washington to act, Trump rejected the suggestion. "No, Based on the w...