Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump’s post after gas field attacks
Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump’s post after gas field attacks
Donald Trump, the US president, delivered a sharply worded response following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, a shared resource with Qatar. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted Tehran to retaliate by targeting an energy facility in Qatar. This escalation raised energy prices and sparked Trump’s irritation. On his Truth Social platform, the president condemned the assault, claiming he was unaware of Israel’s plans. But does this indicate a rift in the US-Israel alliance, or simply a rhetorical flourish?
Trump asserted the US “knew nothing about this particular attack,” a claim that contradicts Israeli media reports. The centrist Yedioth Ahronoth noted that the strike was “co-ordinated in advance with the United States and… agreed upon between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Trump.” Right-wing Israel Hayom added that “Trump discussed the upcoming Israeli strike in Asaluyeh with leaders of three Persian Gulf states over the weekend.” While the president’s statements often blur fact and opinion, this post suggests a deliberate attempt to cast doubt on the coordination.
Trump’s Language and Intent
The president’s choice of words hints at a critical stance toward Israel’s action. He described the attack as a “violent lashing out” driven by “anger,” a phrase typically reserved for Iran’s more aggressive retaliations. This framing implies Israel’s strike was impulsive rather than strategically calculated, raising questions about its wisdom.
“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field,” he writes, “unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case Qatar.”
This statement, written in all caps, underscores Trump’s frustration. It could signal a pause in US support for the strike or a subtle challenge to Netanyahu’s leadership. The president’s insistence on control is evident, as he later declared, “I don’t think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I. He’s the leader. I’m, you know, his ally.”
Israeli Perspective and Strategic Goals
Israeli officials stress their alignment with US objectives, though they admit occasional discrepancies. Netanyahu’s press conference on Thursday evening echoed Trump’s remarks, stating Israel had “acted alone” and that Trump had requested “hold off” from similar strikes. He emphasized unity, asking, “Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?”
Despite shared goals, Israel’s focus on regime change sets it apart. Officials told Yedioth Ahronoth that the South Pars attack was part of an effort to weaken Iran’s authority. “The gas supply to citizens is being shut off, and that will bring the uprising closer,” one official said. Netanyahu, a long-time advocate for toppling the Islamic regime, views Iran as a threat to Israel’s survival. Meanwhile, the US has prioritized degrading Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, while Israel has targeted key figures and institutions within the regime.
