, March 4 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks suggesting Israel's planned military action prompted Washington's preemptive strike on Iran have triggered sharp reactions across the American political spectrum, including from supporters of President Donald Trump.

Speaking on Monday, Rubio said the US knew Israel was preparing to strike Iran and believed such action would trigger Iranian retaliation against American forces, prompting Washington to act first, reports Al Jazeera.

"We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces," Rubio said, arguing preemptive strikes would reduce casualties.

However, President Donald Trump later offered a different explanation, saying he ordered the strikes because he belie...