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.” 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 undoubtedly a tactical success. Caught off guard by the assumption that Israel wouldn’t act before the sixth round of nuclear talks, Iranian leaders had taken no precautions. Many were asleep in their homes in northern Tehran, alongside their families, when Israeli strikes killed them in their beds. Iran’s air defenses were also unprepared and inactive.
Israel aimed to eliminate as many Iranian commanders as possible to disrupt Iran’s command and control structure and effectively paralyze its military response. Initially, the strikes were so successful — and Iran so subdued — that it was unclear whether Tehran retained any meaningful capacity to retaliate.
Impressed by Israel’s early success, Trump moved quickly to claim credit for the operation, despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio having declared just hours earlier that the strikes were a "unilateral action" by Israel and that the U.S. was not involved. As the saying goes: success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.
But within 18 hours, Iran had restructured its chain of command, activated its air defenses, and, most critically, launched four missile barrages aimed primarily at Israeli air defense systems. Many of the missiles penetrated Israel’s multilayered defenses, lighting up the Tel Aviv skyline as they struck their targets — including a direct hit on Israel’s Ministry of Defense.
That Tehran could mount such a response just hours after losing several top military commanders was the first clear sign that Israel’s initial success would be short-lived.
Although Iran continued to absorb heavy blows on Saturday — including Israeli strikes on oil refineries, Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, and other civilian and economic infrastructure — it responded with additional missile barrages. These were fewer in number but notably more effective. As Israel’s air defenses degrade, Tehran is likely to shift to missiles with larger warheads, increasing the scale of destruction.
Meanwhile, despite inflicting significant damage on the Natanz nuclear site, Israel has failed to penetrate the far more critical and heavily fortified Fordow facility. As a result, the actual impact on Iran’s nuclear program appears limited. Reports indicate that the U.S. military has provided its missile defense capabilities to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles but it has so far not joined Israel in offensive strikes.
It is becoming increasingly clear to Washington that Israel’s war of choice is far from a success, and a decisive outcome may not materialize at all. While Israel likely holds escalation dominance, it faces a critical disadvantage: it has fewer air defense interceptors than Iran has long-range missiles. Israel needs a swift and decisive victory — but a prolonged war of attrition may ultimately favor Iran. And such a victory now seems out of reach.
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Invalid email Enter your email Enter your email Subscribe Unsurprisingly, Israeli officials and their allies in Washington — including groups like the Foundation for Defense of Democracies — have begun lobbying President Trump to bring the U.S. into the war and to join them in offensive strikes. For Trump, this must be a serious letdown. Aware of his reluctance to launch another Middle East war, the Netanyahu government had recalibrated its approach when it pressed Trump earlier in January: rather than urging the U.S. to strike Iran directly, it sought a green light for Israel to act. Through an intense lobbying campaign, Israel appears to have secured at least tacit approval from Trump for this campaign.
Just 24 hours into its war of choice with Iran, Israel was already back in Washington, knocking on Trump’s door with new demands. What began as “Give us the green light and Israel will bomb Iran for America” quickly shifted to “Hurry up, America, and bomb Iran for Israel!”
Israel faces two key challenges with this request. First, seeking America’s blessing to go to war is a far lighter ask than requesting America’s direct military involvement. Trump, unexpectedly, agreed to the former — but it would be exceptionally unwise for him to agree to the latter.
Secondly, as noted earlier, Trump likes winners — and by asking him to intervene, Israel is signaling that it’s losing. It has failed to eliminate Iran’s regime or cripple its nuclear program, and is now absorbing unexpected blows in return (today Iran sent a barrage of missiles during daytime rather than night to throw the Israelis off). Why would Trump risk American lives, endanger his presidency, and join a war he didn’t start — just to rescue Israel from a failed and unprovoked conflict? Trump prefers to take credit for victories, not inherit blame for someone else’s potential fiasco.
After all, it was Israel that persuaded Trump to adopt the zero-enrichment negotiating stance — the very position that led to the diplomatic deadlock Israel later exploited to secure a green light for its faltering military campaign. Had Trump stuck to his original red line — no weaponization — he might now be on the verge of a historic nuclear agreement with Iran.
Trump listened to Netanyahu—just as he did to John Bolton and Mike Pompeo in 2018—and once again, his path to an America First deal with Iran was derailed. This is precisely the outcome Netanyahu sought. If it’s not what Trump wants, he should change course immediately—just as he did in Yemen. Rather than joining Israel’s war, he should compel Israel to end it.
With its unprovoked war, Israel has undermined Trump’s negotiating position in two key ways. First, support for acquiring a nuclear weapon has surged among Iran’s elite and broader society in response to the Israeli bombings. This has raised the political cost for Tehran to agree to limit enrichment to civilian levels, making a deal more difficult.
Second, America’s backing of Israel’s attack — coupled with Trump’s self-congratulatory rhetoric — has led Tehran to believe he deliberately lulled Iran into a false sense of security to boost Israel’s chances. As a result, what little trust remained in Trump as a negotiating partner has further eroded. And the less trust there is, the narrower the path to a deal.
Still, a deal remains possible. But the sooner Trump halts Israel’s war, the better his chances. One thing is certain: if Trump and Iran return to the negotiating table, he must quickly abandon the self-defeating zero-enrichment demand championed by Israel and Bolton — the very stance that gave birth to this needless and messy war.
kettykin: Aburi accord would have saved millions of unborn children, see how the sins of the fathers are catching up with the 4th generation and might continue till a thousand generation if God doesn't intervene
The proposal that suggested each ethnic group in Nigeria can exist if they were no longer interested in coexisting in Nigeria would have bn far better than the Aburi accord if Azikwe hadn't truncated it because it was Awolowo who suggested it should be included in the 1963 Constitution The IBO's did that to hurt the Yoruba's but its now working against the IBO's and middle belt. If that clause was allowed to be in the constitution, Fulani won't have the gut to run rampant as they are doing all over the country today.
So don't complain about Aburi accord, the IBO's were the architect of all the troubles we face today as a people and a Nation by refusing to allow that secession freedom clause suggested by Awolowo.
RealityKings1: There is so much to learn in Newspaper publishing, record keeping and understanding how Nigerias history is evolving.
If not, for young folks like us, one would have argued some things were not said.
That's why we keep asking you Genzs not to allow people from that end polite ur mind against ur root. The hatred has bn in their blood from the bigining of time They won't stop very soon Remain guided as a Yoruba Remember they will manufacture fake evidence that'd look real to brainwash you against your kindred
Depriest2020: Choose ye this day whom ye shall worship! As for me and my family we will worship the God of Heaven and Earth, the I am that I am, God the creator of heaven and earth,
The Olodumare Ifa worshipers prays to through Ifa is The Creator of heaven and Earth... Are you sure, the one you and your family have chosen is The Creator of heaven and Earth...are u very sure?
Nna2025: Hello Nairalanders, I know we are very sensitive to cheating so I ask for forgiveness.
I had a fling with a girl I have known for sometime now, I used CD but at some point, I used my finger. I started reading about Hiv and the possiblity of contracting it through fingering. Although my readings says % is very low provided there is no fresh injury, however I opted for PEP to calm my nerves. ( Pep is a drug used, when you suspect an exposure to HIV, remember you have 36hours to take it or else it won't work)
I tore off the pack, hid it in something and kept it in my bag. My wife for whatever reason searched my bag, saw it googled it and came back shouting and screaming since last night. My only comment to her is let's go for hiv test And that the drug was for my asthma, I know she wants to take it somewhere for verification.
My only fear now is if I disclose the reason for taking PEP, then my marriage is in danger.
Anything I can do to salvage this situation, I do not have time. Please my people
Why atr you scared about bn divorced by your wife?
It simply means you are not valuable enuf
If a man has value, no woman would want to consider divorce even if you marry a second wife talk more of just a fling.
Men, constantly improve yourself, get value. No woman would dare threaten you with divorce.
israelmao: Let the pruning/ sifting process continues.Tree becomes greener when it is pruned and wheat becomes finer when it is sifted from chaff.
Unfortunately, in this case, your Tree will not become greener, neither will your wheat becomes finer after they have bn pruned. Democracy, unlike a Tree and wheat, thrives on numbers. The more, the better. The principles under which Democracy thrives is in the multitude. A Tree and Wheat on the other hand, thrives when they are pruned. This is where your academic analysis and comparism failed.
Its not surprising though, you guys will always miss the salient points as usual
My piece of advice...Obedients should save their energy till 2040 because after Tinubu term ends in 2031, a Northerner will occupy Aso Rock for another 8yrs.
thesicilian: I don't understand. Are they going to jail them for not being able to afford proper homes or provide homes for them?
Why are you people so naive like this? Those people are all these Hausa from Nige republic ...they dont rent house, they ride okada, do scrap stealing all electric cables...they sleep on the streets and we all see and are aware of the potential danger they pose...now govt is taking steps to address that, you guys are here ranting
Are we going to wait till Hausa Fulani take over everywhere? Remember too that most of them are always fully armed with knives and some of them with guns Are we going to be looking at them till they overwhelmed us?
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These people are the ones causing increase rate of kidney problems
apprentist: It's not that easy. My kids are my priority. I dream of a home where they will grow with all the care they need. Remarrying comes with too much uncertainty. The worse part of it is that madam doesn't even act like she cares about how I feel. I've tried all possible means. Talk, beg for s*x, give her suprise packages, even spoken to her parent about it. Mtchew
If the bold is true, don't waste your time on that woman any longer. She's no longer interested in that marriage and nothing you can do to bring her back.
SeeWahala: Let's forget about the burantashi, tramadol etc . . . So even you're telling us that's even after releasing BLOOD in your 3rd and 4th round you still pushed ahead?
I have done 7 rounds when I was about 24yrs old and I didn't even know what is burantashi or any sex enhancement drugs. I'm over 50 now but I can't do more than 2 rounds at a go. That doctor doesn't know what he's saying
Brandiebird: If you didn't understand the comment you quoted ask questions. An 80 year old man turning on his family when he is most vulnerable rather than when he was younger and healthier is irrational.
The symptoms of dementia align with his actions and thought processes. Old age and ill health isn't an insult. We're all going to age and deal with the ailments that come with it. You don't build a legacy and destroy it just before you die! How do you know he isn't been manipulated by scammers and fraudsters disguised as friends,lovers, or religious leaders! People are vulnerable in their 80s!
There's nothing sane about locking up your 70 year old wife. How would you feel if these were your grandparents because you have to be pretty young to come to the conclusion that an 80 year old man wants to chase yansh!
Go back and read what I posted again Where did I imply the he wants to chase yansh? I'm 54 and knows exactly what I'm saying. That man actions says a it about what the wife must have bn doing to him underground.
ziemcorp: Imagine. She didn't poison you in over 40 years of marriage, it's when you're both quarter to the grave that you decide she wants to kill you? Imagine selling off your children's inheritance all because of alleged poisoning. A fool at 40 is a fool forever, then what of a fool at 80? Baba should say the truth.
You are yet to know the true nature of a woman A woman will wait patiently for ages till you are weak as a man, then she'd unleash her venom on you...she'd keep your offence of 40yrs in the corner of her heart and remember to punish you at your weakest
As a man, better know this and be prepared. If you are still living in denial that my wife is not that type...sorry is your name
MaxInDHouse: In this side of the world people acting on what they have little or no knowledge about is common. Blood Transfusion is no longer tenable as a safe means of treatment around the world.
Though God has warned His worshipers thousands of years ago to abstain from blood {Genesis 9:4} stating it'll guarantee good health {Act 15:28-29} but faithless people feels the book (Bible) shouldn't be the sole determinant of whatever they choose to do with their lives as it's an old book written by people they don't know.
Today health practitioners around the world are enlightening their people against the hazards of blood transfusion.
The same God created carnivorous animals with only meats with fresh and live blood as their only food.
Before men discovered fire to cook those meats, humans have been eating live blood with meats. God did not make provision for fire for cooking as at the time He created men. Fire was discovered thousands of years thereafter.
All Religion books needs immediate evaluation to uproot the foundation of confusion it has planted into the psyche of humanity.
BafanaBafana: From my experience, if you stay alone, eating out is cheaper. If you doubt it, calculate the actual cost of preparing a meal, check how many times you will eat that meal and then compare how much it will cost you to buy that number of plates of the same quality of meal outside.
Further more, consider the time and labor cost. You go to the market to buy food stuff Prepare to cook Do the cooking. Be cleaning while cooking. Go out to a nearby shop to buy something you forgot to buy in the market. Finish cooking. Wash the dishes after eating.
All these after buying food stuff with your money o Meanwhile if you go to a restaurant, all you do is eat and leave.
So gents, eating out is way cheaper.
Have you also considered the neatness of the preparation and other factors associated? Restaurants will buy tomatoes that has rotten to cook for you Some mama put also cook charms with their soup...it doesn't matter whether you believe or not
cjfavour: Anakogheri!!! The federal allocates security funds monthly to states is d most funniest part of this write up. National security threatened ko, National security threatened nii. See people boasting they know politics!!!
So, to you and ur ilks, the lives of innocent people bn cut short daily and the spread is all about knowing Politics abi? Demented souls
Why are you people so unfeeling? The rate at which organized crime springs up and sustained in Nigeria is alarming They come with Pomp's and pageantry into the markets to deceive the populace...by the time the populace wakes up, the economic marauders would have disappeared into thin air.
HitRun: Federal does not allocate anything to states. They share based on a formula that is a law.
Agreed but the question is what has those 2 States whose security situation is threatening the peace of the whole nation bn doing with the shared security funds?
Yankee101: It’s illegal Sue them You’re difffernt arms of government and they don’t have oversight over you, unless they create a law that is assented by the senate and president and all houses of assembly to amend the constitution
What about when national security is threatened by either the actions or in actions of the state? Remember the federal allocates security funds monthly to States... What have those 2 States bn doing with the security funds they get every month?
Godfullsam: Leave SW out of your it. Face balablu.
So you think its about Tinubu?
The hatred is for anything Yoruba
Wake up from ur slumber if you think all these noise from the East is about Tinubu and his policies. These people have unquenchable hatred for their host...but as the water that despises its source ends up drying, so also is the fate that awaits them.
Nairaland General › Re: Whose Actions Most Changed The Course Of Human History. by AyeMoJuba: 5:30pm On Jun 18, 2025
