U.S. Leads Iran Campaign as Israel Stays Out, Eyeing Post-November Window
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Jul 9
U.S. Leads Iran Campaign as Israel Stays Out, Eyeing Post-November Window
3 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Jul 9
Summary
Israeli officials assess the odds of joining the U.S.-led campaign against Iran are currently very low, with Washington, Gulf states and even Tehran all preferring to keep Israel out.
U.S. caution is driving that stance: broader Israeli involvement could recast the fight as an Israel-Iran war, weaken Arab cooperation, complicate international backing and hand Tehran a wider Muslim-world narrative.
Limited strikes so far — including a largely symbolic hit on the Mashhad rail line — suggest Washington is avoiding strategic targets such as Kharg Island oil facilities to contain escalation and prevent an energy shock.
Israel is still preparing for rapid entry if Iran attacks it directly at scale or if Washington decides Israeli capabilities are needed, with officials already discussing a possible 'third Iran war.'
Jerusalem's prevailing view is that the conflict will likely not reach Israel soon, and that the next major opening for a renewed campaign may come only after the U.S. midterm elections in November.
A fragile consensus keeps Israel out of the conflict. What single event could shatter this and ignite a wider regional war?
As tactical wins fail to achieve strategic goals, is the era of American military dominance in the Middle East over?
Iran’s blockade has weaponized the global economy. How long until the world faces a third recession and widespread hunger?
Stalemate and Shifting Power: The 2026 US-Iran-Israel Conflict, Lebanon Crisis, and the Fragile Islamabad MoU
Overview
In July 2026, after months of intense conflict involving the US, Iran, and Israel, a major diplomatic breakthrough was reached with a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement, announced by the US, Iran, and Pakistan, aims to end hostilities and includes Iran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, as well as a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran—though the US is not required to contribute. Despite this progress, the Lebanon-Israel border remains unstable, with ongoing military clashes and unresolved issues over Hezbollah’s disarmament, highlighting the fragile and complex path toward lasting regional peace.