Trump Pushed for War with Iran, Not Netanyahu, New Report Reveals

A fresh look at the origins of the US-Iran conflict exposes a stark truth: President Donald Trump was the prime mover behind the decision to attack Iran, not Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a detailed report in Israel Hayom, based on conversations with numerous diplomats and security officials, Trump entered the war with a clear strategic goal—to decisively weaken or overthrow the Iranian regime.

This narrative challenges earlier coverage from outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, which argued that Netanyahu had pulled Trump into the conflict by pushing the idea that the Iranian regime could be brought down. Instead, the Israeli side took a more cautious stance, warning that regime change would be complex and prolonged. Israeli intelligence officials, including Mossad Director David Barnea, assessed that while local militias might seize some territory, a broad popular uprising was uncertain and would take time.

The meeting that sealed the decision took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in late December 2025. While both sides tried to downplay the agenda, Iran’s nuclear and missile advancements dominated discussions. Israel presented extensive intelligence on Iran’s accelerated nuclear program and missile buildup, as well as its support for terrorism and proxies across the region.

Trump’s inner circle, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, debated how to handle Iran. Hegseth pushed for regime change through military strikes and support for internal dissent, declaring "The Islamic mullah regime must go." Rubio was more skeptical, warning that toppling Iran would not be straightforward and cautioning against overreliance on Kurdish forces, which could complicate relations with Turkey.

Ultimately, it was Trump and some senior officials who embraced the maximalist approach, eager to deliver a "devastating blow" to Iran. Netanyahu’s role was more about presenting intelligence and supporting a tough stance rather than driving the decision to go to war.

This revelation exposes the Trump administration’s reckless pursuit of regime change in Iran, fueled by ideological zeal rather than sober strategic planning. It also highlights the internal divisions within the US government and the dangers of a president using his private resort as a war room for aggressive foreign policy decisions.

As the conflict escalates, the consequences of this impulsive push for war will be felt not just in Tehran, but across the Middle East and beyond. We must hold accountable those who dragged the world closer to catastrophe under the guise of national security.