President Donald Trump has shifted positions repeatedly on the escalating military confrontation between Israel and Iran, drawing criticism both at home and abroad.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists his country’s airstrikes were “fully coordinated” with Washington, Trump has offered conflicting messages. He initially voiced strong support for Israel’s campaign, then distanced the United States from any direct involvement.
On Thursday, after Israeli missiles struck Tehran, Trump warned Iran of “even more brutal” action from Israel, which has been using US-made munitions. But he later posted on social media that the American government had “nothing to do with the attack.”
The confusion deepened after Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada, citing urgent business in Washington. The White House said his return was linked to developments in the Middle East, though Trump later claimed it had “nothing to do with a Cease Fire.”
Behind the scenes, Trump is balancing pressure from hawkish advisers who want a tougher stance on Iran, and others urging restraint. Talks with Tehran, which had been planned for Sunday in Oman, have collapsed.
Some Republican lawmakers are calling for regime change in Iran, believing sustained pressure could force its leaders to negotiate from a weaker position. But Trump, who has long styled himself as a dealmaker, has also floated diplomacy as a solution.
Inside his political base, a different struggle is unfolding. While many Republicans in Congress support Israel, some prominent voices within the Make America Great Again movement are urging Trump to pull back.
Right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson accused the White House of misleading the public about its involvement. He warned that the conflict could lead to the deployment of US troops to fight on Israel’s behalf.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed those concerns, declaring that full-scale engagement would betray the America First agenda.
Amid rising tensions, Trump has attempted to reposition himself. Over the weekend, he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin in calling for an end to hostilities. By Sunday, he publicly urged Israel and Iran to pursue a deal, reiterating that the US played no role in the latest attack.
With Iran threatening retaliation against US military bases in the region, any American casualties could reshape the political calculus, pushing Trump further toward a more isolationist response.
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