Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected claims that Israel forced the United States into the conflict with Iran, praising President Donald Trump and insisting Washington has acted on its own judgment. At a recent press briefing he questioned whether anyone could order Trump’s decisions and emphasized close coordination with the US and other partners as they target Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Netanyahu said Israel’s objectives are to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats, stop Tehran from burying such capabilities underground, and create conditions that might enable political change inside Iran. He added that Israel is “winning” and described Iran as being degraded by sustained strikes.
Netanyahu also left open the possibility of a ground operation if necessary, a course the US has sought to avoid. He said Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas fields without outside involvement and claimed that President Trump asked him to hold off on additional attacks.
US involvement and regional consequences
The extent of US participation and the use of foreign bases in operations against Iran have become contentious. Gulf states are reassessing whether hosting US facilities makes them safer or exposes them to retaliation. Iran has sought clarification from Germany about whether the US base at Ramstein was used in operations targeting Tehran; German officials have not publicly confirmed any such role and face political and legal scrutiny over the use of territory that hosts American forces.
European and international reactions
At an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels, officials strongly condemned Iran’s recent strikes on regional targets and urged de-escalation, restraint, and protection of civilians and infrastructure. They called for a moratorium on attacks against energy and water facilities and expressed solidarity with Cyprus after an Iranian-made drone struck a British base on the island.
The UN’s International Maritime Organization said disruptions linked to the conflict have affected roughly 20,000 seafarers on nearly 2,000 ships. The IMO reported multiple vessel incidents, seven associated deaths, and urged work toward a safe maritime corridor to evacuate crews trapped by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington authorized an emergency foreign weapons sale worth about $16.46 billion to Gulf partners Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, citing urgent security needs. The package reportedly includes missiles, drones, radars, and F-16 munitions and upgrades, and was approved under expedited procedures that reduce the usual congressional review.
Political, civilian and economic effects
The war is reshaping diplomatic debates and domestic politics across regions. Denmark and Italy have urged the European Union to prepare for potential increases in migration and have proposed mechanisms to channel aid to countries of origin to reduce pressure on European borders.
Cultural and sporting arenas have also been affected. FIFA rejected Iran’s request to move its group-stage matches for the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico, saying the tournament schedule must stand. FIFA fined the Israel Football Association 150,000 Swiss francs for tolerating politicized and militaristic displays and ordered prominent anti-discrimination messaging at future home matches.
Other incidents and strategic moves
Shrapnel from a downed missile struck the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa; no injuries were reported. Concerns about key maritime and energy chokepoints have intensified. Netanyahu proposed that after the conflict, oil and gas could be rerouted via pipelines across the Arabian Peninsula to Israeli ports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and reduce Iran’s leverage over global energy flows.
Outlook
Analysts warn that attacks on civilian infrastructure, heightened proxy activity, and the use of foreign bases complicate prospects for de-escalation. With leaders on multiple fronts calling for restraint, the scope and endgame of the confrontation remain uncertain as regional and international actors weigh their options to prevent wider spillover.