Why are the US and Israel not on the same page over how to deal with Iran? Expert Q&A

On May 28, US President Donald Trump revealed that he personally prevented Israel from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. During a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump admitted to intervening by stating it was not appropriate at that time. The Trump administration is currently engaged in discussions with Iran regarding the future terms of its nuclear program.

Middle East expert Scott Lucas shared insights on the dispute over Iran and its potential impact on US-Israel relations. Israel remains skeptical of diplomatic efforts towards Tehran, citing concerns about Iran’s intentions towards Israel’s security. Trump’s focus appears to be on showcasing himself as a “dealmaker” rather than achieving a substantive agreement.

Trump’s past actions with North Korea and Russia, as well as his involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict, reflect his interest in diplomatic achievements. While the Gulf states aim to avoid Israeli military action against Iran to prevent regional instability, Qatar and Oman have positioned themselves as peace mediators in international negotiations.

Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been a point of contention, with Trump withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and imposing sanctions on Iran. Despite Iran’s assurances to forego military nuclear development, tensions persist over enrichment activities. Netanyahu’s potential disruption of talks through military strikes could strain international relations and escalate regional conflicts.

In the context of US-Israel relations, Trump’s contrasting approaches towards Iran and Gaza highlight the complex dynamics between the two allies. While Trump intervened to prevent Israeli action against Iran, his stance on Gaza has been more permissive, allowing Netanyahu’s policies to proceed despite concerns about their implications.