Trump Claims Former President Wished They Attacked Iran, Others Deny

The former president's identity remains a mystery as all living ex-presidents deny the conversation.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:23am

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President Donald Trump claimed he spoke with a former president who expressed regret for not attacking Iran, but representatives for all four living ex-presidents say none have been in touch with Trump recently. Trump declined to name the former president, saying he didn't want to "embarrass him." The White House did not respond to requests for comment after the denials from the former presidents' representatives.

Why it matters

Trump's claim, if true, would be a significant revelation about the decision-making of past administrations regarding Iran. However, the denials from the former presidents cast doubt on Trump's account and raise questions about the accuracy of his statements.

The details

During remarks about the Iran conflict, Trump said he spoke with a former president who expressed regret for not attacking Iran, saying "I wish I did it, I wish I did." Trump declined to name the former president, saying he didn't want to "embarrass him." Representatives for former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden all said the former presidents had not spoken with Trump recently.

  • On March 17, 2026, President Trump made the claim during extended remarks about the Iran conflict.
  • Trump repeated the claim later that day in the Oval Office.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States.

Bill Clinton

A former President of the United States.

George W. Bush

A former President of the United States.

Barack Obama

A former President of the United States.

Joe Biden

A former President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“I can't tell you that. I don't want to embarrass him. It would be very bad for his career, even though he's got no career.”

— Donald Trump, President (al.com)

The takeaway

Trump's claim about a former president wishing they had attacked Iran remains unsubstantiated, as all living ex-presidents have denied the conversation. This raises questions about the accuracy of the president's statements and the transparency of the decision-making process around major foreign policy decisions.