Netanyahu's Diplomatic Spotlight on US-Iran Tensions

In a striking moment in Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu chose to address the world not in Hebrew, but in English, focusing his words on US President Donald Trump. Standing at the podium in the Israeli prime minister’s office, Netanyahu opened with praise for Trump’s audacious move to target Iranian nuclear sites.

Netanyahu’s sense of triumph, evident in his demeanor, was not unexpected. He has long been driven by his concerns over the Iranian threat to Israel. For the past decade and a half, he’s persistently lobbied American allies, arguing that only decisive military action, supported by American weaponry, could dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

While celebrating Trump’s bold decision as one that “will change history,” Netanyahu also seemed to acknowledge his own role in swaying a US president who initially resisted overseas military interventions. Trump’s supporters predominantly opposed getting involved in Israel’s conflict with Iran, but Netanyahu’s persistence paid off.

It’s worth noting that not all of Trump’s intelligence advisors agreed with Israel’s urgent timeline regarding Iran’s nuclear weapon potential or even whether Iran intended to pursue such capabilities.

Throughout the conflict, ongoing for just over a week, Israel’s government insisted on its ability to confront Iran independently. Yet, it was no secret that only America held the massive weaponry necessary to penetrate Iran’s most fortified locations, like Fordo, deep within a mountain.

With the bombing of nuclear sites last night signaling potential success for Netanyahu, Israel might be edging closer to achieving its primary war aim. Iran, on the other hand, claims it had already relocated its nuclear materials.

Without the US’s intervention, Israel would have methodically continued targeting a long list developed over years. The air force’s strikes would damage military and governmental infrastructure, affect commanders, scientists, and accessible parts of Iran’s nuclear project.

However, without a decisive blow, Israel would struggle to conclude the threat neutralized. Perhaps only a change in Iran’s regime could achieve that definitive moment.

The intervention by B2 bombers undeniably shifts the war’s trajectory. The potential for escalation now hinges on Iran and its allies’ reactions.

Iran’s supreme leader warned that US involvement would incur “irreparable damage.” The Houthi group in Yemen, allies of Iran, also threatened to attack US ships in the Red Sea if America engaged.

American interests in the region, including personnel, businesses, and citizens, are now potential Iranian targets. Possible responses could involve attacks on US ships or bases, disrupting Gulf oil flow, and hiking fuel prices.

The US has communicated that its military actions are paused, with no intent to topple Tehran’s leadership. This might prompt Iran to limit its retaliation, perhaps opting for low-casualty strikes on US targets or employing regional proxies instead.

Following Trump’s 2020 order to assassinate Iranian leader Qasem Soleimani, Iran embraced this strategic restraint. Trump revisited his stance by promising to match any Iranian retaliation with overwhelming force.

As the day unfolds, the Middle East bracedly awaits, unsure if this marks the closing chapter of this conflict or the dawn of a more perilous war phase.