While addressing the media at a news brief held in the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the U.S. military had struck three locations in Iran, thereby formally aligning with Israel’s mission of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. The press conference took place on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Insightful observers question whether history is repeating itself as tensions build between the nations.
Only days before, Israel launched a series of air strikes on Iran. Critics suggest that these actions could lead to the U.S. being involuntarily pulled into yet another conflict, fostered by the provocative stance from Israeli operatives. Essentially, the concern is that Israel might lead the United States into a war, similar to the previous conflicts the US has experienced.
According to multiple sources from the U.S. intelligence community and independent inspectors, there is scarce evidence that points towards Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weaponry. These notions of nuclear development seem to serve as a cover story for deeper motives. Israel’s aim to overthrow the current administration in Iran appears to be steering these disputes.
Historians would not fail to recognize the parallels with events from the mid-20th century when Western powers subverted Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mosaddegh, allowing BP and other Western oil agencies to exploit Iran’s oil reserves. The removal of the popular leader and his subsequent replacement by an oppressive regime led to public outrage and a revolution.
Critics argue that Israel’s recent actions are contributing to the instability in the Middle East. Israeli ministers have publicly expressed ambitions to enlarge their national territory, and recent attacks on multiple neighboring nations could be viewed as laying the groundwork for such plans. These destabilizing actions have raised concerns around the region and the world.
Echoes of past misjudgments shouldn’t be ignored in an attempt to prevent the U.S. from being pulled into another conflict based on misinformation and ignored intelligence. Two decades ago, the U.S. embarked on a war against Iraq, motivated by claims that later turned out to be false, causing regret among many of the supporting leaders.
The Iraq War not only destabilized the region but also fostered the growth of terror organizations like Al-Qaeda and indirectly led to the birth of groups similar to ISIS. According to those who opposed the war, it resulted in massive casualties and failed to achieve its intended outcomes.
Wars are far from being fiscal-friendly endeavours. The United States, with its debt-to-GDP ratio sitting at 123% and a hefty budget deficit, has already spent an estimated $5.2 trillion on conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. A potential war with Iran could have catastrophic consequences, beyond human loss and into the realms of economic collapse.
The power dynamics in the democratic setup of the United States place the onus on Congress to prevent escalation of this conflict. Engaging the people’s representatives in this decision-making process is crucial for maintaining peace and avoiding conflict. It is a requirement of democracy for those in power to consider public sentiment and wider implications before pushing forward with war.
One can’t help but ponder over the fact that the same scenario has played out in the past. A false narrative, propagated by those in power, led to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Have we let our collective memory lapse so soon?
Allegations of weapons of mass destruction, and an imminent nuclear threat to the Middle East and the world, were used as justifications for the Iraq War. However, neither the International Atomic Energy Agency nor the United States’ intelligence apparatus could verify these claims either before or after the United States’ engagement.
In the past week, the government of Israel and the Trump administration have made similar claims to justify an unprovoked attack on Iran. But once again, proof from the IAEA and the U.S. intelligence community contradicts these allegations, sparking concern over a potentially unjustified escalation of conflict.
Israel’s history—stretching back even before its founding—shows evidence of initiating preemptive wars. These wars are launched in response to a perceived imminent threat or attack, with a goal to cripple the perceived adversary before the threat materializes, ensuring strategic advantage.
From the 1948 execution of Plan Dalet—prior to Israel’s establishment, targeting land outside the proposed state boundaries—to the ‘preemptive’ assault on Egypt and Syria in 1956 and 1967 respectively, Israel’s actions have often been viewed through the lens of preemption. These actions led to significant territorial gains and decades-long occupation of lands originally belonging to others, causing permanent tension in the region.
Israel has begun this current war with Iran without any direct provocation. The audacious act of shifting blame to itself as a victim seems foolhardy given that Iran possesses strong allies in Russia and China. The world watches with bated breath as the consequences of these actions come to light. Jack Miller from Rome sends out a clear warning: The genie is now out of the bottle.