Trump’s Sudden Shift: Was He Manipulated by Israel?
In a dramatic turn of events, former President Donald Trump announced that the United States has conducted a major military strike against key Iranian nuclear facilities, including those at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Drawing significant attention, Trump claimed that a comprehensive payload of bombs had been unleashed, leaving these critical sites “totally obliterated.”
This abrupt change in strategy comes on the heels of a period of seemingly constructive diplomacy, marked by ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Just a week prior to the strikes, discussions were reportedly progressing toward a potential sixth round of talks aimed at addressing the contentious issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Al Jazeera sought insight from Scott Lucas, a professor of US and international politics at University College Dublin, who suggested that this military aggression may not have been a unilateral decision by Trump. “Because Donald Trump got played by the Israelis; some might say manipulated,” Lucas asserted, hinting at a deeper geopolitical game at play.
The implications of Lucas’s remarks invite scrutiny of the intricate relationships between Israel, the U.S., and Iran. Historically, Israel has opposed Iran’s nuclear program vehemently, often urging American leadership to adopt a more aggressive stance. Trump’s recent actions could be interpreted as a capitulation to Israeli influence, manifesting the complexities of international diplomacy where alliances and strategies frequently overlap.
As debates emerge regarding the motivations behind Trump’s strikes, questions arise about the broader implications for U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for escalation in the region. If Lucas’s analysis holds, America’s path forward may be entangled in a web of manipulation, questioning the integrity of its diplomatic efforts.
For now, the world watches closely, eager to understand the consequences of this sudden and drastic shift in U.S. foreign policy. The fallout from these strikes could reshuffle alliances and redefine strategies not just in the Middle East, but globally.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “‘Trump got played by Israel; some might say manipulated’: Analysis” was uploaded on 06/22/2025 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English