US and Israel Diverge on Iran War Strategy as Trump Faces Pressure

Allies see gap in goals as US public opposition grows and Trump seeks to end conflict

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ten days after jointly attacking Iran, the United States and Israel have seen a public divergence in their approaches, with President Donald Trump facing political pressure and not sharing Israel's long-term goals of permanently weakening Iran. While Israel wants to continue the offensive, Trump has signaled the war is "pretty much" over, citing concerns over the spike in oil prices and lack of public support in the US.

Why it matters

The divide between the US and Israel on the Iran conflict highlights the differing strategic priorities and domestic political pressures facing the two allies. It also raises questions about the long-term consequences of the war and whether the US will continue to provide unwavering support for Israel's regional objectives.

The details

US officials have expressed unease over the scale of the attacks on Iran, with Israel bombing fuel depots around Tehran that caused apocalyptic scenes. Even Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a hawk on Iran, has urged Israel to "be cautious" about target selection. Analysts say the US may not have the same appetite for a prolonged conflict as Israel, which wants to permanently weaken its regional rival. Trump has offered varying justifications for the attack, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the "imminent threat" was that Israel had already decided to strike Iran.

  • The US and Israel jointly attacked Iran 10 days ago.
  • Trump told CBS News on Monday that the war was "pretty much" over.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is facing political pressure to end the conflict with Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who wants to continue the offensive to permanently weaken Iran.

Marco Rubio

The US Secretary of State who suggested the "imminent threat" was that Israel had already decided to strike Iran.

Lindsey Graham

A Republican Senator and hawkish ally of Trump who has urged Israel to "be cautious" about target selection.

Michael Singh

The managing director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who analyzed the differing US and Israeli goals in the conflict.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to liberate the Iranian people in a fashion that does not cripple their chance to start a new and better life when this regime collapses.”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator (X)

“The US may not have as much of an appetite for a long conflict, especially because we have priorities in other theaters that Israel obviously doesn't have, and we can pack up and go home whereas Israel can't.”

— Michael Singh, Managing Director, Washington Institute for Near East Policy (N/A)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This divergence between the US and Israel on the Iran conflict highlights the differing strategic priorities and domestic political pressures facing the two allies, raising questions about the long-term consequences of the war and whether the US will continue to provide unwavering support for Israel's regional objectives.