Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Middle East / Biden officials worry that Israeli response to Iran’s attack may trigger wider war
Middle East, Iran, Israel‑Hamas

April 14, 2024

Biden officials worry that Israeli response to Iran’s attack may trigger wider war

Benjamin Friedman, policy director of the think tank Defense Priorities, said in a statement that “the Israeli government has courted a fight with Iran, perhaps encouraged by the prospect of U.S. help in going after Iran.”

“Instead of talking about ‘ironclad’ support for Israel, the president should have made clear the U.S. support is limited and does not extend to all circumstances,” Friedman said. “War with Iran would imperil U.S. security for no obvious pay off.”

Read at NBC

Featuring

Photo of Benjamin Friedman

Benjamin
Friedman

Policy Director

Defense Priorities

More on Middle East

Op-edMiddle East, Iran, Israel‑Iran, US‑Israel‑Iran

Could the new Congress bring an end to the Iran war?

By Daniel DePetris

November 4, 2026

Op-edGrand strategy, Cuba, Iran

Three places where Trump’s post-election foreign policy could ramp up

By Daniel DePetris

November 4, 2026

Op-edMiddle East, Iran, Israel‑Iran, US‑Israel‑Iran

The next Congress shouldn’t let Iran become a ‘background war’

By Andrew Jarocki

November 4, 2026

Op-edMiddle East, Houthis, Yemen

The U.S. Should Stay Out of Another Saudi War Against the Houthis

By Daniel DePetris and William Walldorf

November 3, 2026

In the mediaMiddle East, Israel, Israel‑Iran, US‑Israel‑Iran

How a Little-Known Company Dominated the Persian Gulf Oil Trade

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

November 1, 2026

An oil refinery in Moscow
Q&AUS‑Israel‑Iran, Middle East, Ukraine‑Russia

Washington’s foreign policy scramble to lower fuel prices

By Rosemary Kelanic

October 30, 2026

Events on Middle East

See All Events
virtualMiddle East

What’s Next for U.S. Foreign Policy in 2026? Middle East Edition

January 14, 2026
virtualGreat power competition, Balance of power, China, Grand strategy, Middle East

U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

June 10, 2025
virtualMiddle East, Basing and global posture, Diplomacy, Houthis, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Israel‑Hamas, Military analysis, Syria

Trump in the Middle East: Impacts, implications, and alternatives

May 16, 2025

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

Defense Priorities Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by donations from individuals and foundations—no funding comes from the U.S. government or any foreign government. Donations are unlimited and deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.