OPINION: America Can Support Israel’s Righteous Fight Without Risking U.S. Blood & Treasure

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by Israel’s bold strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, has thrust the Middle East into a precarious moment. As a retired Air Force Colonel and a staunch supporter of America First principles, I believe Israel is justly defending itself against an existential threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The United States is right to support its ally in Israel – but must avoid being drawn into another endless Middle East war.

Israel’s recent operation, which began with devastating strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile sites, and military leadership, has showcased its military precision and resolve. Reports indicate that Israel has achieved air dominance over Iran, neutralizing defenses and striking key targets like the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility with minimal effective opposition.

This is no small feat. Iran’s nuclear program, long a menace to the region, has been set back—potentially by years—through Israel’s calculated campaign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to act decisively, despite misguided international calls for restraint, reflects the reality that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a direct threat to Israel’s survival and the broader goal of peace in the region.

The simple truth is that Iran has been at war with Israel, directly and through its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah, for years. The notion that Israel’s strikes came “out of the blue” is nonsense. Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” has been decimated—Hamas and Hezbollah are shadows of their former selves, and Iran’s ability to project power has been severely curtailed. Israel’s actions are not aggression; they are a response to a regime that has openly called for its destruction while arming itself with the means to do so.

The Iranian regime has also clearly and repeatedly called for the destruction of the United States. To them, the U.S. and Israel are sworn enemies that must be defeated.

However, as much as American leaders are right to support Israel’s decision to defend itself, we must also be cautious about embroiling this nation in another Middle East conflict.

From a domestic political standpoint, the MAGA coalition also cannot afford to fracture over a new war in the Middle East—especially with midterms looming. Along with potentially leading to another drawn-out military conflict, a preemptive U.S. strike on Iran could risk splitting the conservative political base at home.

President Trump has rightly distanced the U.S. from Israel’s unilateral actions, emphasizing diplomacy over military escalation while also making clear that the U.S. stands with Israel and supports the mission of ensuring Iran does not become a nuclear power. His calls for a nuclear deal with Iran, though now stalled, reflect a pragmatic approach to avoid a broader conflict.

However, the reality is stark: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected diplomatic overtures, and Israel’s strikes have likely pushed Iran to the point of desperation. This puts Trump in a tough spot, balancing his commitment to avoiding Middle East wars with the need to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

Critics of Israel’s actions, particularly on the left, argue that Netanyahu’s strikes are politically motivated or a violation of international law. But these criticisms miss the mark. Israel’s survival is at stake, and no nation can be expected to wait for an imminent attack when the enemy is actively enriching uranium, arming proxies, and calling for the complete destruction of the Jewish state. The U.S. should not undermine Israel’s right to self-defense, but neither should we sacrifice American lives or resources to a conflict that Israel is capably handling.

War is never clean, and the loss of innocent lives on both sides is a tragedy. Israel’s strikes have caused significant civilian casualties in Iran, with reports of over 200 deaths, while Iran’s retaliatory missile barrages have killed dozens in Israel. This is the grim reality of conflict, and it’s why our leaders must prioritize de-escalation where possible. But Iran’s regime, weakened and humiliated, is unlikely to back down without a fight.

The path forward is clear: Israel must be allowed to finish the job of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat. They’ve proven they have the capability and resolve to do so. The U.S., meanwhile, must stay out of the fight militarily while maintaining diplomatic pressure on Iran to return to the negotiating table. Any Iranian attack on U.S. interests—bases, personnel, or civilians—must be met with overwhelming force, but we should not initiate conflict.

This is a defining moment for Israel and the region. History will judge whether this generation stood firm against the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran. For now, Israel is winning this fight, and America must remain a steadfast ally without becoming a combatant.

Rob Maness is a retired Air Force Colonel and a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.