The Middle East is once again under global scrutiny. With missile strikes, proxy militias, and nuclear brinkmanship dominating headlines, one question remains central: What is the role of the United States in the Iran-Israel conflict? From Cold War calculations to modern-day drone warfare, U.S. foreign policy has long been a powerful, if controversial, player in this high-stakes regional drama.
This article unpacks the history, strategic policies, and shifting alliances that define America’s role—and what that means for peace, war, and the future of global stability.
Cold War Foundations: U.S. Strategic Goals in the Middle East
After World War II, the United States prioritized regional stability and oil access in the Middle East. Iran and Israel emerged as key strategic partners during the Cold War, both aligned against Soviet expansion.
According to UCLA Luskin Center, this led to America’s “twin pillar” doctrine, where Iran (under the Shah) and Saudi Arabia were bolstered as regional stabilizers. Israel, although not part of this framework, benefitted from growing U.S. arms sales and diplomatic support.
American policymakers at the time believed that balancing Iran and Israel would create a bulwark against:
Arab nationalism
Soviet influence
Future oil shocks
The U.S. supplied arms to both countries while maintaining covert intelligence-sharing arrangements. These actions helped shape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East for decades.
The 1979 Revolution and Washington’s Reset
The Islamic Revolution flipped the regional power dynamic. Iran’s new government severed ties with the U.S. and Israel, labeling both as existential threats. The U.S., caught off guard, pivoted sharply—relying more on Israel and Gulf allies for influence.
As Johns Hopkins University explains, Iran’s anti-Israel stance became foundational to its regional policy. In response, U.S. presidents:
Increased military aid to Israel
Backed economic sanctions against Iran
Expanded military presence in the Persian Gulf
U.S. support for Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), naval confrontations, and the protection of oil shipping lanes further embedded American interests in containing Iran.
U.S. Military Doctrine and Regional Containment
Rather than engage Iran directly, the U.S. has long relied on containment strategies. According to CRS Report R47321, the U.S. maintains:
Military bases across the Middle East
Joint operations with Israel in intelligence and missile defense
This policy intensified post-Iraq War as Iran expanded influence in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. To counter this:
The U.S. approved weapons transfers to Israel and Saudi Arabia
Positioned forces in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait
These moves reflect America’s reliance on defense partnerships to shape regional power balances.
The Nuclear Issue: Diplomacy, Withdrawal, and Escalation
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The Obama administration pushed for diplomacy, but the Trump administration’s 2018 withdrawal unraveled the progress.
Columbia Energy Policy Center notes that sanctions:
Severely impacted Iran’s economy
Failed to contain its regional influence
By 2025, tensions escalated as the U.S. launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on U.S. assets in the Gulf, raising fears of broader conflict.
Technology, Drones, and Cyber Tactics
Modern warfare now includes:
Drone surveillance
AI-driven defense systems
Cyber operations
The Stuxnet cyberattack, attributed to U.S.-Israel cooperation, delayed Iran’s nuclear work. According to CRS Report R47828, Iran responded with:
Cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure
Proxy missile strikes in Iraq and Syria
These non-lethal tools offer the U.S. strategic leverage without boots on the ground.
U.S. Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Ideals vs. Interests
U.S. foreign policy juggles two missions:
Promoting democratic ideals
Protecting national security and economic interests
As USF Dissertation Archive outlines, post-9/11 U.S. strategy shifted to:
Prioritize counterterrorism
Maintain oil supply security
Prevent nuclear proliferation
Voters are increasingly skeptical of foreign entanglements, fueling a demand for strategic restraint rather than open-ended military involvement.
The U.S. remains deeply entangled in the Iran-Israel conflict. Sometimes stabilizing, sometimes escalating, American foreign policy continues to shape the future of the region.
For voters and policymakers alike, understanding this complex dynamic is essential to making informed decisions about war, peace, and global leadership.
References:
Congress.gov. U.S. Policy Toward Iran: Background and Issues for Congress (R47321)
Johns Hopkins University. Iran’s Regional Strategy: Shifting Dynamics and U.S. Relations
Columbia University Energy Policy Center. An Energy Take on the Current State of the Iran-Israel-U.S. Conflict
Congress.gov. Iran’s Nuclear Program and U.S. Policy (R47828)
UCLA Luskin Center. U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Changes in the Neoliberal Age
University of South Florida. U.S. Foreign Policy and Public Perception: A Political Analysis
