Is the U.S. Being Played by Benjamin Netanyahu?

On June 21, 2025, U.S. B-2 bombers struck Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, an operation announced by President Donald Trump. Recent reports suggest Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu played a key role in urging this action, leveraging his close ties with Trump.

Netanyahu has long framed Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat, pushing for preemptive strikes despite U.S. calls for diplomacy. His influence appears to have shifted Trump’s stance from negotiation to military action, raising doubts about who truly directs the campaign.

Is Trump Falling Into a Strategic Trap?

Trump’s Truth Social post at 08:24 AM EST on June 22 warned Iran of “force far greater” if it retaliates, aligning with Netanyahu’s aggressive rhetoric. Some analysts argue this mirrors Israel’s goal to draw the U.S. into a broader conflict.

Iran’s missile strikes on Israel on June 22, wounding civilians, followed the U.S. attacks, suggesting a cycle Netanyahu may have anticipated. Critics question whether Trump’s support, influenced by Netanyahu’s appeals, risks entangling the U.S. in an unwinnable war.

Does Domestic Pressure Expose Netanyahu’s Leverage?

U.S. lawmakers have criticized the strikes’ lack of congressional approval, with some suggesting Netanyahu’s lobbying swayed Trump to act unilaterally. This has fueled debates about foreign influence on American policy.

Netanyahu’s public praise of Trump’s support, combined with his own threats to target Iran’s leadership, indicates a calculated effort to lock the U.S. into his agenda. The domestic backlash could weaken Trump’s position if seen as bending to Israeli demands.

Did you know?
Decades ago, Israel’s 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor, despite U.S. reservations, set a precedent for unilateral action that later drew American involvement.

Global Backlash Highlights U.S. Vulnerability

International condemnation of the U.S. strikes, with nations like Qatar and France urging restraint, contrasts with Netanyahu’s approval. This suggests the U.S. may be bearing the diplomatic cost of Israel’s strategy.

Netanyahu’s refusal to seek U.S. approval for further actions hints at his confidence in controlling the narrative. The U.S. risks isolation if it continues to follow Israel’s lead, especially as Iran threatens retaliation against American targets.

Economic Risks Amplify the Stakes

The conflict has driven oil prices higher due to fears of Strait of Hormuz disruptions, a burden falling heavily on global markets. Netanyahu’s push for escalation seems to prioritize Israel’s security over U.S. economic interests.

Trump’s silence on these economic impacts in his post suggests a focus on military optics, possibly influenced by Netanyahu’s insistence on decisive action. The U.S. could face long-term economic strain if dragged deeper into the conflict.

ALSO READ | What Does Trump’s Truth Social Warning Signal For U.S.-Iran Tensions?

Puppet or Partner at Risk

The U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites on June 21, 2025, raises questions about Netanyahu’s sway over Trump’s decisions. With Iran’s retaliation unfolding and global pressure mounting, the U.S. may be risking its own interests to back Israel’s agenda.

Economic and diplomatic costs loom large as Netanyahu pushes for more. Is the U.S. a willing partner or a manipulated player in this escalating crisis?