US-Israel-Iran Conflict: A Deepening Military Partnership Amidst Political Division

The United States and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran on February 28, 2026, marking the first truly combined U.S.-Israeli military operation in decades. This joint effort, comprised of operations named “Epic Fury” and “Rising Lion,” comes after weeks of military buildup and threats from President Trump, with the stated goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime Council on Foreign Relations.

A Historic Military Collaboration

Unlike previous U.S.-led military interventions, this operation represents a shift towards equal partnership between the U.S. And Israel. Historically, the U.S. Military has typically led broad coalitions, conducting the majority of airstrikes and ground operations, as seen in Afghanistan (2002) and Iraq (2003) Council on Foreign Relations. The current operation involves a fusion of intelligence, shared labor, and combined risk, with both U.S. And Israeli lives at stake. Israeli Defense Force (IDF) strikes on Tehran resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whereas U.S. Strikes targeted military sites in Isfahan, Karaj, Kermanshah, Qum, and Tabriz Council on Foreign Relations.

Escalation and Retaliation

Iran quickly retaliated with ballistic missile strikes against Israel and U.S. Facilities across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates Council on Foreign Relations. The U.S. Senate subsequently backed President Trump’s military campaign, blocking a resolution to limit strikes against Iran CNBC-TV18. The White House claims to have established complete control of Iranian skies and reported striking or sinking over 20 Iranian ships CNBC-TV18.

Political Divisions and Future Implications

Despite the deepening military collaboration, a growing political rift exists within the United States regarding the partnership with Israel. Recent polls indicate declining U.S. Sympathy for Israel, with a larger proportion of Americans now expressing greater sympathy for Palestinians Council on Foreign Relations. This divergence in public opinion, coupled with skepticism towards continued military aid to Israel, poses a challenge to the long-term sustainability of the U.S.-Israeli alliance. The conflict’s outcome and the potential for regime change in Iran remain uncertain, with the possibility of a protracted conflict and further regional instability.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. And Israel have engaged in their first truly combined military operation against Iran.
• Iran has retaliated with missile strikes against Israel and U.S. Facilities in the region.
• The U.S. Senate has supported President Trump’s military campaign.
• A growing political divide within the U.S. Threatens the long-term stability of the U.S.-Israeli partnership.