White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the decision by Donald Trump to authorise military action against Iran.
Leavitt rejected claims that Iran posed no immediate threat to the United States before the military operation.
She said intelligence from multiple sources indicated that Iran was preparing actions that could endanger American national security.
According to her, the decision to deploy military assets followed extensive intelligence assessments and national security consultations.
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Leavitt described Iran as a leading state sponsor of terrorism with a history of attacks against American interests.
She said the Iranian government had expanded its short-range ballistic missile programme alongside growing naval capabilities.
According to the White House, these developments raised concerns that Iran could threaten global stability and American security interests.
Leavitt said diplomatic efforts were made to encourage Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions through negotiations and sanctions relief.
However, she claimed the Iranian leadership refused proposals aimed at limiting its nuclear programme.
She added that the United States and Israel coordinated the operation to reduce the risk of a potential attack on American targets.
Leavitt stated that the president is constitutionally responsible for determining national security threats and responding accordingly.
She also dismissed suggestions that foreign governments influenced the decision to launch the operation.
The White House described the military action, known as Operation Epic Fury, as necessary to protect American interests.
