United States Blocks Israel from Joining US Strikes on Iran

The United States has told Israel not to take part in the ongoing American military strikes against Iran, warning that Israeli involvement could widen the conflict and lead to a broader war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed for Israel to join the U.S. campaign, seeking to influence President Donald Trump’s policy toward Tehran. Israeli officials said Israel shared intelligence about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Trump, but U.S. officials described the information as vague and not a concrete plan.

U.S. forces have also shown a reduced presence in the region, with the first F‑22 squadron to leave the Iranian theater returning to the United States and aircraft carriers USS Lincoln and USS Bush operating near the Omani coast to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has extended pressure to southern Lebanon, requesting Israel to halt any special operations there. Former Israeli premier Ehud Barak speculated on possible scenarios, including strikes in southern Beirut, that could further destabilize the area.

The stance reflects a broader U.S. effort to contain the escalation with Iran while limiting Israel’s direct military role, aiming to keep the conflict from spiraling into a larger regional war.