White House advisers reportedly say they believe President Donald Trump will likely want to end major military operations in Iran before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Even as Trump and Netanyahu have spoken nearly daily and appear closely aligned, U.S. officials say that differences in long-term strategy and risk tolerance could emerge as the conflict stretches into its third week, according to Axios.
Trump has been described by officials as one of the most forceful voices in his administration in favor of confronting Iran militarily, aligning more closely with Netanyahu's aggressive posture than many of his advisers.
Still, several aides believe the president's ultimate objective is more limited — focused on crippling Iran's military and nuclear capabilities rather than pursuing full regime change.
Senior officials say Trump intends to end the war once core goals are achieved, including dismantling Iran's missile systems, degrading its navy, and cutting off funding to terrorist proxies across the Middle East.
By contrast, Israel has pursued a broader campaign, including high-profile assassinations of Iranian leaders and efforts that could destabilize the regime.
"Israel has other focuses," one U.S. official noted, underscoring the strategic divergence.
Despite those differences, the U.S. and Israel remain tightly coordinated militarily, with American forces largely targeting missile and drone threats to U.S. bases while Israel expands operations.
The alliance reflects years of growing cooperation, particularly following last year's joint strikes that emboldened both nations' military planning.
The Financial Times reported that Trump and Netanyahu had discussed the possibility of a larger conflict months in advance, with both leaders agreeing that Iran's nuclear ambitions posed a serious and urgent threat.
Supporters say the current campaign reflects a long-overdue effort to confront Tehran after decades of failed diplomacy and appeasement by prior administrations.
Still, the war has exposed tensions.
One flashpoint came when Israel struck Iranian oil infrastructure, prompting concern in Washington about global energy markets and economic stability.
The White House has since urged greater coordination to avoid disruptions that could harm American consumers.
"We want stability," one official said, reflecting the administration's focus on balancing military success with economic security.
The stakes are both military and political.
The resignation of a senior counterterrorism official amid claims the U.S. was being drawn too deeply into the conflict highlights ongoing debate within Washington.
Trump and his advisers have pushed back on that narrative, emphasizing that U.S. objectives remain firmly rooted in protecting American interests and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that message, stating the U.S. will determine when its goals are met and when operations conclude.
For now, Trump continues to project confidence in the U.S.-Israel partnership, even while acknowledging their objectives may not be identical.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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