US and Israel May Soon Have Different Views on Iran Policy

US and Israeli Leaders Engage in Ongoing Conflict with Iran

The conflict between the US and Israel, and their actions against Iran, continue unabated. The two nations have cited different reasons for their involvement in the war, with Israel focusing on “changing the Middle East” and the US emphasizing “defending the American people.” Both countries have repeated the phrase “regime change,” although the prospects of this outcome remain unclear.

The assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has not led to a mass uprising within Iran as predicted by Israel and the US. Despite this, both nations continue to assert that regime change is possible through military action alone. The European Union and Asian countries have largely remained absent from the conflict.

In terms of immediate results, it appears that Israel and the US have achieved significant successes in decimating Iranian leadership through airstrikes and naval operations. However, the long-term implications of these actions are uncertain.

A closer examination of the motivations behind the US and Israeli involvement reveals a convergence of short-term interests. For both leaders, political survival is a key factor. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to distance himself from criticism surrounding his handling of Gaza and the West Bank. The ongoing conflict in these territories has led to a loss of control over Gaza, and Netanyahu’s leadership credentials are at risk.

In the US, President Donald Trump aims to create a distraction from domestic issues, including his involvement in Venezuela and the Epstein scandal. Trump’s use of “regime change” as a policy goal allows him to declare success whenever he chooses, while also promoting a vision of a world order based on “might makes right.”

The military leadership in Israel is also motivated by a desire for impunity, seeking a “historic victory” that would absolve them of responsibility for the October 7, 2023, events. In this context, the conflict with Iran serves as a means to achieve this goal.

While it is unclear who is currently winning the conflict, it is evident that both nations have achieved significant short-term successes through their military actions. However, the long-term consequences of these actions remain uncertain and will likely be shaped by the individual interests and motivations of those involved.

Source: Al Jazeera