The Trump administration has reportedly communicated to Israeli officials that it does not want Israel to participate in ongoing US military strikes against Iran, according to two Israeli sources cited by CNN. The decision stems from concerns that further involvement by the Jewish state could escalate the conflict in West Asia.
Background of US-Iran Military Escalation
The development follows days of heightened military confrontation between Tehran and Washington. The United States alleged that Iran was involved in attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US forces to conduct several retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets. In response, Iran launched strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, further intensifying the conflict.
Israel's Readiness and US Caution
According to CNN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a strong desire to join the US strikes. One Israeli source stated, "[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu would really want to join the US strikes. But the US doesn't want Israel involved at the moment." Despite this, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are prepared to resume military operations against Iran independently. "The IDF is on high alert and prepared to resume the campaign, regain air superiority, and carry out an independent Israeli strike against Iran to eliminate threats -- even for a third time," Katz said during a graduation ceremony for IDF pilots. He added, "If we have to return, we will return with even greater force."
Assessment of Trump's Stance
One Israeli source told CNN that the prevailing assessment in Israel is that US President Donald Trump does not want a return to full-scale conflict with Iran. The source suggested that the maximum step Trump might consider is reintroducing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, rather than broader military escalation. On Wednesday, Trump stated at a press conference after the 2026 NATO Summit in Turkiye, "I don't think it's going to start again. I think it's going to go very quickly. They hit a couple of ships, and so we hit them much harder. When they hit, we hit 10 times harder."
Implications for Regional Stability
The US effort to keep Israel out of direct involvement underscores a strategic calculation to prevent a wider regional war. While Israel has historically conducted strikes against Iranian assets, Washington appears to prioritize de-escalation. The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining high military readiness.
