On Friday in the dead of night local time, Israel launched what it called “preemptive strikes” against Iran’s nuclear program. Dubbed “Nation of Lions,” the military operation was conducted unilaterally by the Israeli Air Force and reportedly hit numerous targets in Tehran, without U.S. military assistance, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Hours before, for the first time in 20 years, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board of governors censured Iran for failing to comply with its ongoing investigation into the country’s nuclear work. Iran is likely to respond with missile or drone attacks of its own.
The Pentagon—concerned about an Israeli bombing operation against Tehran’s nuclear facilities and possible Iranian reprisals—was prepared, having ordered a drawdown of nonessential diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Rubio said in his statement that “Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.” He added, “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pining to hit Iran’s nuclear facilities with military force, the region seems to yet again be on the precipice of an all-out confrontation. So what, if anything, can President Donald Trump, the so-called dealmaker-in-chief who wants to spare the Middle East of further bloodshed, now do to prevent another war in the region?
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