Key Points – Israel’s unilateral and preemptive strike on Iran on June 12th effectively sabotaged the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts to secure a nuclear deal.
-Now, as the conflict escalates with Iranian retaliation, the United States must prioritize its own national interests and the safety of its troops in the region rather than being drawn into another Middle Eastern war.
-Despite Israel’s initial success, it cannot fully dismantle Iran’s hardened nuclear facilities, like Fordow, without direct US military support.
-President Trump should resist calls to join the conflict, refuse to sacrifice American lives for Israeli ambitions, and avoid another costly foreign entanglement.
The Israel-Iran War Begins
Mere hours before Israel began an unprecedented bombing campaign of Iran, President Trump signaled that he remained committed to a diplomatic resolution concerning Iran’s nuclear program. However, Israel effectively vetoed any further diplomacy launching what it termed a “preemptive” attack on Iran. Because Iran has claimed that it will intensify its retaliations against Israel and target “any country that attempts to defend” Israel, the U.S. must prioritize the safety of our military rather than joining Israel in another Middle Eastern war.
In April, President Trump announced diplomatic talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program, to the chagrin of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. In June, after five rounds of negotiations, Iran rejected the latest “unacceptable” U.S. proposal as it violated Iran’s redline of retaining domestic uranium enrichment and did not provide sanctions relief. President Obama’s JCPOA, from which President Trump unilaterally withdrew in his first term citing Israeli intelligence, had taken years to develop. It was unrealistic to hope for resolution within President Trump’s self-imposed 60-day deadline.
Prior to Israel’s attack, the IAEA declared that Iran was not complying with their non-proliferation obligations and, consequently, European parties to the JCPOA would be free to initiate the “snapback” clause reimposing all UN sanctions against Iran. Iran is now poised to leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
On June 12th, President Trump felt that an agreement may be close and he preferred that Israel did not strike Iran and “blow it.” Shortly after, Israel brazenly defied President Trump and launched an operation that decapitated the senior Iranian military leadership in Tehran, assassinated Iranian civilian nuclear scientists, sabotaged air defense sites, and bombarded Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and other targets.
In the wake of Israel’s strikes, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement claiming that Israel had acted alone and warned Iran not to target the U.S. for retaliation. Trump’s diplomatic efforts have been thwarted as the U.S. armed Israel, is reportedly defending Israel, and may have “no choice” but be dragged into a direct conflict with Iran.
Israel appears to have ambitions for regime change and joining this endeavor is not in the U.S. interest. Iran likely considers Israel and the U.S. as equally responsible, especially as President Trump remains committed to “defend Israel” from Iranian retaliation.
One must wonder why the “America First” President would commit to the defense of a country that appears to have sabotaged American diplomacy. Despite the beating of war drums from both sides in Washington, is an unconditional investment in the U.S.’s “greatest friend” in our interest if Israel’s unilateral foreign policy derails the U.S.’s strategic objectives?
As this conflict continues, the consequences likely will reverberate across the globe as Israel shifts to striking Iranian energy infrastructure and Iran considers closing the Strait of Hormuz, both of which would wreak havoc on global energy markets.
Israel will not be able to achieve their goal of destroying Iran’s nuclear facilities and regime change without the U.S.’s direct involvement. Thus far, despite consistent bombing at Iranian nuclear facilities, Israel has failed to destroy enrichment sites like Fordow, located deep underground, which would require U.S. bunker buster bombs. Should the U.S. join in Israel’s misadventure, it would require putting the tens of thousands of U.S. troops that remain in the region into harm’s way as the U.S. would not be able to solely rely on air power to ensure success and the dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program. One need not look further than the U.S.’s costly air campaign that failed to pacify the Houthis in Yemen.
Israel has applied pressure throughout the diplomatic process, from the nascent stages to the week of their strike. Netanyahu has wanted to strike Iran for well over a decade, if not longer.
The Trump administration must now decide the course that the U.S. will chart in this crisis – with diplomacy derailed, bombs flying, and casualties mounting on both sides – will President Trump put America first?
Will President Trump prioritize the domestic needs of his base, or that of a foreign nation? Of Toledo, or Tel-Aviv?
What Happens Now?
President Trump should prioritize American interests and end our unconditional commitment to Israel to prevent Americans from dying in this war of Israel’s choosing.
Under no circumstances should the U.S. confront Iran in a military confrontation and offer American blood as a sacrifice on the altar of Israeli ambitions.
About the Author:
Robert Torres is a foreign policy analyst and JD candidate at the University of Connecticut School of Law. He previously earned a BA with honors in Political Science from the University of Connecticut.
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June 18, 2025 at 5:28 pm
Robert, your article drips with poisoned propaganda of the democratic left. Blaming Israel for doing the US and the rest of the world dirty work. You know as well as everyone else that there was no agreement to sign with the Iranians. They would never abolish their drive to get nuclear weapons. Their only goal in life is to kill everyone that is not a part of the Muslim republic. Yes, Israel is first on the list, US second and the rest of the western world next. The US government knew about the plan, approved it and participated in forming the plan. The US is involved in knocking missiles down, providing intelligent info to Israel, providing ammunitions daily. They would like to stay in the background, knowing Israel can do the job. Protecting US bases in the middle east and Americans all over by staying out. You’re trying to incite fake ideas that make you look like an extremist. Please read some history books to understand the situation in the middle east.