Trump's Iran War Driven by Family Business Interests

Jared Kushner emerges as key foreign policy advisor and dealmaker

Mar. 7, 2026 at 3:01pm

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According to author Michael Wolff, President Donald Trump's motivations for the ongoing war with Iran are driven more by personal business interests than traditional geopolitical or military considerations. Wolff argues that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has become the de facto chief foreign policy advisor, leveraging relationships with Persian Gulf states to pursue financial deals and opportunities that benefit the Trump family rather than broader U.S. strategic interests.

Why it matters

Wolff's analysis suggests a troubling dynamic where the most consequential foreign policy decisions are being made not by seasoned diplomats and national security experts, but by the president's own family members pursuing their own financial interests. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the policymaking process and whether the country's interests are being put first.

The details

Wolff claims that Kushner, acting as Trump's personal representative rather than a government official, now controls the administration's Middle East portfolio along with Trump's golf and investment buddy Steve Witkoff. The goal, according to Wolff, is to leverage the region's wealth and oil resources to benefit the Trump family financially, with little regard for broader strategic considerations. Wolff also notes Trump's apparent antisemitic remark that "Jared can really work the Arabs. They like Jews to handle the money."

  • Trump launched the war with Iran in early 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has launched a war with Iran, with his personal business interests reportedly driving the decision-making process.

Jared Kushner

Trump's son-in-law who has emerged as the de facto chief foreign policy advisor, leveraging relationships with Persian Gulf states to pursue financial deals that benefit the Trump family.

Steve Witkoff

Trump's golf and investment buddy who, along with Kushner, now controls the administration's Middle East portfolio.

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What they’re saying

“Jared can really work the Arabs. They like Jews to handle the money,”

— Donald Trump

“It's their portfolio,”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The war with Iran continues to escalate, with the long-term consequences and impact on U.S. foreign policy and global stability remaining highly uncertain.

The takeaway

This story highlights the troubling possibility that the most consequential foreign policy decisions are being made not by seasoned experts, but by the president's own family members pursuing their own financial interests, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the policymaking process and whether the country's interests are being put first.