The Israeli government reportedly conducted a sustained influence campaign over several years aimed at hardening U.S. policy toward Iran and, in particular, steering Donald Trump toward a military confrontation. This effort is said to have involved both political and financial pressure exerted by a network of wealthy supporters closely aligned with pro-Israel positions. At the same time, attempts were allegedly made to exploit Trump’s personality by viewing him as easily influenced and strongly driven by personal gain. In this context, key decisions such as the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani are portrayed as steps within an escalating strategy.
At the same time, reports describe a series of alleged or staged threat scenarios that convinced Trump he was the target of Iranian assassination plots. These include cases in which U.S. authorities are said to have used informants to construct or exaggerate supposed attacks. Such portrayals are believed to have reinforced Trump’s existing fears of assassination, particularly following real attempts during the 2024 election campaign. In several instances, the accused individuals reportedly lacked both the organizational capacity and practical means to carry out actual attacks.
As the conflict with Iran progressed, the military situation is described as having intensified without delivering the expected rapid successes. Iran responded to attacks and remained operational, while divisions emerged within the U.S. government over the appropriate course of action. At the same time, reports of misinformation and targeted influence are said to have increased, distorting decision-making processes. Against this backdrop, a continuing risk of escalation is outlined, including the possibility of further military expansion up to the use of strategic weapons.