Two Wars Raging in Iran: U.S. and Israel Pursue Divergent Agendas

Trump's faltering presidency and Netanyahu's political woes fuel conflicts with Iran

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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There are two distinct wars being waged in Iran - one by the United States, the other by Israel. For the U.S., the war against Iran is a distraction from President Trump's domestic policy failures, while for Israel, it is both a distraction and an attempt to destroy an Islamic challenge to its regional dominance. The article explores the political motivations behind these conflicts and their impact on the people of Iran.

Why it matters

The wars in Iran highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with the U.S. and Israel pursuing their own strategic objectives, often at the expense of the Iranian people. Understanding these underlying motivations is crucial to evaluating the true costs and consequences of the conflicts.

The details

The U.S. war against Iran is seen as a distraction from President Trump's faltering domestic policies, including his anti-immigrant campaign, failed tariff program, and the Epstein scandal. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also facing political turmoil, with nearly 70% of Israelis in some polls indicating they believe he should step down. Orchestrating a war with Iran may help both leaders postpone a day of reckoning, at least temporarily.

  • In February 2025, Trump's approval rating was 48%, but a year later it had fallen to 38%.
  • On June 22, 2025, the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran's (alleged) nuclear facilities as part of Israel's Twelve-Day War that began on June 13th.
  • Nine months after the initial attack, a follow-up attack on the same facilities was carried out.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whose second term is faltering due to a range of domestic policy failures.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The prime minister of Israel, who is also facing political turmoil and a corruption trial, and is using the war with Iran as a distraction.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State, who made it clear that the U.S. knew Israel would attack Iran and that the U.S. would have to respond to protect American forces.

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina, who had Trump's ear and called for war with Iran.

Jamal Kanj

A writer for CounterPunch, who argued that the war in Iran is not America's war, but rather serves the strategic objectives of a foreign country (Israel).

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What they’re saying

“It was abundantly clear that if Iran came under attack by anyone … they were going to respond and respond against the United States. We knew there was going to be an Israeli action. We knew that would precipitate an attack against American forces. And we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (NPR)

“This is not America's war. The decision was made elsewhere, and timed elsewhere, fought on behalf of someone else to serve the strategic objectives of a foreign country. Washington has subordinated the American national interest to the tribal agenda of Israeli-firsters inside the Beltway. Simply put: Tel Aviv chooses the war, and Washington pays the bill.”

— Jamal Kanj, Writer (CounterPunch)

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

The wars in Iran highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with the U.S. and Israel pursuing their own strategic objectives, often at the expense of the Iranian people. Understanding these underlying motivations is crucial to evaluating the true costs and consequences of the conflicts.