US-Israel War on Iran: A Looming Resumption Fueled by Delusional Aims, Expert Argues


This story, titled "How to stop the US-Israel war on Iran" First published on Al Jazeera English and was retrieved from its original source on October 29, 2026.
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The war initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran on February 28 has entered a lull, not a conclusion. While major combat operations have paused and diplomatic efforts have stalled, both nations are reportedly preparing for a renewed offensive. The article posits that understanding the motivations of both governments is key to grasping why the conflict is likely to resume, asserting that neither side currently desires peace.
Israel's leadership is described as seeking regional domination, driven by a belief that its survival hinges on military supremacy over the Arab world and the subjugation or elimination of the Palestinian people. This doctrine, characterized as a form of "collective madness," governs Israeli policy, preventing acceptance of peace initiatives such as the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, which offered full normalization in exchange for a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chosen path, supported by allies like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, is seen as one built on hatred and the displacement of Palestinians.
The United States, meanwhile, is portrayed as grappling with declining global power and a long-standing fixation on Iran, dating back to the 1953 CIA-backed coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. The article details decades of US involvement, including support for Saddam Hussein's war against Iran in the 1980s, subsequent economic warfare, covert operations, cyberattacks, and assassinations. President Donald Trump's actions, such as withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement, bombing Iran's nuclear sites in June 2025, and joining Israel in open war in February of this year, are highlighted as escalating the conflict.
Washington's focus on Iran is framed as serving American hegemony, with Iran identified as a critical "geopolitical pivot" controlling the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The potential emergence of an "antihegemonic" coalition of China, Russia, and Iran is noted as a concern for the US, which has been accused of shortsightedness in antagonizing these nations simultaneously.
Signs of the war's imminent resumption are reportedly evident. War Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to Israel to discuss joint strikes, with Israeli sources indicating targets include Iran's petrochemical and nuclear facilities, are cited. The White House's promise not to attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections is interpreted as an announcement of a war timetable. The ongoing US naval blockade of Iran's ports, now past its 100th day, and Trump's rejection of a September ceasefire proposal, which Tehran reportedly still considers, further indicate escalating tensions.
Israel's October 27 election is seen as adding fuel to the conflict. Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu, with the statement that the US would "finish the job" against Iran only with Netanyahu in charge, is mentioned. Netanyahu's declaration at a rally in Dimona about overthrowing the Iranian regime and his directives to the army, Mossad, and security services are also noted.
Iran has reportedly responded by announcing a new offensive doctrine, including preemptive strikes and attacks on neighboring bases, warning of a global energy crisis if renewed attacks occur. Attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have reportedly reached a new peak.
The article suggests that the Arab world, particularly Gulf countries, faces a precarious reality. US bases in the Gulf have not provided security but have turned host nations into targets. The US-Israeli strategy of "divide and conquer," casting Iran as a perpetual enemy and encouraging Arab states to seek shelter under American power while accepting Israeli hegemony, has led to regional war, economic losses, and mass killings in Palestine and Lebanon.
The proposed solution is for the Arab world to reject Israeli hegemony and demand a sovereign State of Palestine, advocating for regional cooperation over reliance on Washington for security. Options for peace include a two-state solution, a binational democratic state, or a confederation, emphasizing peace, safety, and self-determination for both Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs. The perpetuation of Israel's "brutal apartheid state" is deemed impossible.
Initiatives like Qatar's call for regional dialogue among the Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkiye, and Pakistan, and ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman with Tehran, are seen as positive steps. These efforts should evolve into a regional security framework including Iran, Gulf states, Egypt, Turkiye, Iraq, and Pakistan, based on non-aggression, freedom of navigation, and a nuclear-weapon-free zone that eventually includes Israel.
The article concludes that Arab states possess significant leverage. If Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other neighbors declare their territory and airspace off-limits for further war on Iran and suspend normalization with Israel until a Palestinian state is established, it would force a recalculation in Washington and Tel Aviv. Such a move would also be welcomed by the American public, who reportedly oppose the war on Iran and support Palestine. The era of US-led "divide and conquer" is presented as over, urging Arab states to declare this openly before the next round of war begins, paving the way for regional security and peace.
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