Israel’s war of choice with Iran is proving far less decisive than President Donald Trump initially believed when he praised Israel’s performance as “excellent,” Responsible Statecraft’s Trita Parsi writes.

Trita Parsi
Responsible Statecraft
Opinion

What now appears to be an escalating, inconclusive conflict with no clear end in sight will soon force Trump into a challenging decision: end the war — or enter it.

Israel’s opening strike was a tactical success, catching Iranian leaders off guard and killing many in their homes in northern Tehran. The strikes disrupted Iran’s command structure, but within 18 hours, Iran restructured, activated air defenses, and launched missile barrages that penetrated Israel’s defenses — including a direct hit on Israel’s Ministry of Defense.

Despite damage to Iranian infrastructure, Israel has failed to seriously cripple Iran’s nuclear program, particularly the fortified Fordow facility. The U.S. has so far limited its role to missile defense.

Israeli officials and allies in Washington have lobbied Trump to join the war. But, as Parsi writes, “Trump likes winners,” and Israel’s faltering campaign “signals that it’s losing.” Trump faces a choice: Avoid American involvement in a “failed and unprovoked conflict” or risk American lives for a war he didn’t start.

Parsi warns that Israel’s actions have undermined Trump’s negotiating position with Iran and that ending the war soon would be in America’s best interest.

Read more at Responsible Statecraft.