Why US is fighting Israel’s war in Iran

Mar 4, 2026 | 16:52 IST

(Image: AP)

As war with Iran deepens, questions mount over who is steering US policy in the Middle East. Critics argue President Trump has risked American lives and credibility to advance Israel’s strategic objectives — with consequences that could outlast his presidency.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave the game away. Speaking to reporters on March 2, Rubio said: “We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action in Iran, and if we didn’t pre-emptively go after them, we would suffer higher casualties.”

Reading between the lines, this is what Rubio meant: “We went to war in Iran at Israel’s behest.”

TOI

TOI

Why US is fighting Israel’s war in Iran

As war with Iran deepens, questions mount over who is steering US policy in the Middle East. Critics argue President Trump has risked American lives and credibility to advance Israel’s strategic objectives — with consequences that could outlast his presidency.

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TOI

Why US is fighting Israel’s war in Iran

As war with Iran deepens, questions mount over who is steering US policy in the Middle East. Critics argue President Trump has risked American lives and credibility to advance Israel’s strategic objectives — with consequences that could outlast his presidency.

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