US President Donald Trump, initially resistant to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's influence, has now authorized consequential strikes on Iranian uranium enrichment sites. This follows a series of Israeli military attacks that the US was unable to deter. The US is bracing for potential Iranian retaliation, which could escalate into a full-scale war in the Middle East.
What a difference a week makes: Trump falls into the Netanyahu trap
Donald TrumpIranIsraelBenjamin NetanyahuUS foreign policyMiddle East and north AfricaUnited StatesWorld
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️US President Donald Trump, initially resistant to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's influence, has now authorized consequential strikes on Iranian uranium enrichment sites. This follows a series of Israeli military attacks that the US was unable to deter. The US is bracing for potential Iranian retaliation, which could escalate into a full-scale war in the Middle East.
Trending- 1 Trump elected, suggesting new relationship with Netanyahu
- 2 Trump administration initially suggested reining in Netanyahu's ambitions
- 3 Steve Witkoff demanded meeting with Netanyahu on Shabbat to negotiate Gaza ceasefire
- 4 Secretary of State Marco Rubio called initial Israeli strikes 'unilateral' and US 'not involved'
- 5 Saturday: US B-2 bombers pounded targets in Iran for the first time since Israel began strikes last week
- 6 Trump publicly thanked and congratulated Netanyahu, stating US policy in lockstep with Israel
- 7 Netanyahu congratulated Trump for the decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities
- Potential for Iranian retaliation attacks
- Risk of full-scale war in the Middle East
- Erosion of Trump's initial foreign policy stance
- Increased US involvement in Middle East conflicts
What: US B-2 bombers pounded Iranian uranium enrichment sites (Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan) for the first time since Israel began strikes last week, with the US now fully endorsing and joining the attack.
When: Saturday (US strikes), last week (Israeli strikes), less than 200 days after Trump came into office (general timeframe of policy shift).
Where: Iran (Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan enrichment sites), Middle East, Washington, Gaza, Israel.
Why: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu "manoeuvred" the US into striking Iran after a series of Israeli military attacks that Washington could not deter, despite Trump's initial aversion to war and promises not to embroil the US in further conflicts.
How: Through a shift in US policy, from initial resistance and calls for "unilateral" strikes by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to full endorsement and participation in the attacks, influenced by Netanyahu's actions and Trump's evolving stance.