Large-Scale Middle East War: Washington Supports, American Public Opposes

Trump Wants to Use Israel to Overthrow Iran

Author: Mikhail Majid

Image: U.S. Air Force B-2 "Spirit" Bomber

The U.S. Congress is currently having a discussion that would have seemed unimaginable in the past. Lawmakers are debating the transfer of B-2 stealth strategic bombers to Israel. According to Fox News, lawmakers have proposed a bill allowing President Donald Trump to send these planes and bunker-busting bombs to Israel, provided that Iran is indeed developing nuclear weapons.

This measure was introduced by Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey and Republican Congressman Mike Lawler from New York. They proposed allowing Trump to "take measures to prepare Israel for any contingency in case Iran attempts to develop nuclear weapons." The bill states that if such a situation arises, Trump must explain to Congress why he believes it is crucial to U.S. national security. Lawler explained, "This bill gives the president the power to provide Israel with the tools and training needed to deter Tehran, thereby enhancing global security."

The B-2 bombers can carry the GBU-57 heavy bunker buster bomb, which is designed to strike deep underground command centers, government bunkers, underground factories, and weapon storage facilities. These bombers are part of the U.S. nuclear triad, with each costing over $1 billion. The U.S. military currently operates only 20 of these aircraft.

Although this incredible decision has not yet been passed, the discussion itself may mean that the United States intends to provide Israel with powerful weapons, making it a "big stick" in the region.

However, beyond this, these debates also indicate that a new armed conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran is about to come. Deploying aircraft, training pilots, and establishing the necessary infrastructure require significant time. But this threat has already been issued.

At the same time, the United States is delivering large quantities of various precision-guided munitions to Israel, which are also used to strike underground bunkers.

Some may think that all of this is related to the family relationship between Trump and Netanyahu, as well as their common financial supporters, such as Miriam Adelson, who is one of Trump's main donors and supports the Netanyahu government. However, shared economic interests are strongly supported and reinforced by their current common political goals. Both hope to weaken their main and most serious opponent in the Middle East - Iran - to the maximum extent and completely deprive it of the ability to produce nuclear weapons.

After Israeli air strikes and U.S. bombing, Trump gave Iran some time. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to a series of contentious issues and a new nuclear agreement. The key points of the agreement are as follows: Iran will give up enriching uranium to any level, even for civilian use, transfer all enriched uranium reserves to a third country, and after that, the U.S. will lift some economic sanctions on Tehran.

Iran has not made any concessions so far. They agreed to give up uranium enrichment, but only to give up enrichment activities at levels capable of producing nuclear weapons. However, they repeatedly emphasized that they consider uranium enrichment as their "red line," and according to international law, they have the right to do so. They also do not want to rely on purchasing nuclear fuel from abroad for nuclear energy, as such a decision would increase the country's dependence on external sources. Moreover, they are worried that if they concede on this issue after being bombed by the U.S. and Israel, it would appear weak, leading opponents to make new demands, since desires tend to grow endlessly.

Seeing that the Iranians are unwilling to make concessions, Trump is clearly preparing for a new round of war. He either intends to force Tehran into a favorable agreement through force or to destroy its defense industry entirely. However, he faces problems when it comes to war.

Firstly, most Americans do not support the U.S. participating in a war against Iran. In the context of economic difficulties, zero growth, and a declining presidential approval rating, this is a worrying signal.

Secondly, Trump is not inclined to engage in large-scale wars. Yes, during his previous term, he ordered the CIA's elite forces to kill Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, and on the night of June 22 this year, the U.S. Air Force conducted the "Midnight Hammer" operation, attacking Iran's nuclear facilities. Nevertheless, Trump avoided getting the country involved in large-scale and prolonged conflicts — these types of conflicts are very unpopular in the U.S., especially after the U.S. suffered personnel and economic losses in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Therefore, Trump is likely to try to overthrow Iran through Israel, or at least destroy its nuclear and defense industries.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524206629026562596/

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