Asger Risom
Despite his promises to avoid foreign wars, Donald Trump now faces pressure at home and abroad to intervene as tensions between Israel and Iran spiral. The stakes could redefine his second term.
Donald Trump campaigned on keeping America out of endless foreign conflicts.
But as the war between Israel and Iran escalates, the president finds himself in a geopolitical bind that could override his “America First” doctrine.
Rising Pressure from Allies and Within His Party
Trump has so far resisted entering the fight, reportedly rejecting an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, as reported by Digi24.
Still, voices within his own party are urging him to take stronger action. Former Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Lindsey Graham have both argued that the U.S. must be ready to help destroy Iran’s nuclear program if diplomacy fails.
Others point out that Iran could provoke U.S. involvement directly, either by targeting American forces in the region or disrupting global oil trade.
In either case, Trump may find himself forced to respond, regardless of political preference.
A Dilemma at Odds with “America First”
Trump’s base, including figures like Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk, has warned against any entanglement in the Middle East.
Internally, Trump appears wary of alienating that isolationist core. Yet Republicans also expect him to project strength and support Israel, placing him in a no-win situation.
His recent comments to The Atlantic reflect this tension.
“You can’t have peace if Iran has nuclear weapons,” Trump said, defending the possibility of a more forceful approach if necessary.
The Foreign Policy Vision Unraveling
Trump entered his second term promising peace through strength. But five months in, the Israel-Iran war threatens to define his presidency.
His efforts to mediate in Gaza and Ukraine have faltered. Putin and Xi have brushed aside his diplomacy. Netanyahu has sidelined him by launching a war he long hoped to avoid.
As military and political pressures intensify, Trump is discovering how fragile “America First” can be when global crises erupt.
Whether he can resist deeper involvement, or pivot under pressure, may shape both his legacy and the world order.