U.S. Attacks Iranian Nuclear Sites: Implications for Israel, the Middle East, and U.S. Policy

The U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear program marks a shift in Washington’s approach, from supporting Israel’s defense and regional de-escalation to joining as a co-combatant in offensive strikes. The operation was ordered despite threats from Iranian leaders about the risks of entering the war, including potential attacks on U.S. forces and interests. In a primetime address, President Trump underscored his desire for peace and ending the war, but Tehran appears unwilling to make any nuclear concessions or even return to the negotiating table.

What does this mean for U.S. policy in the Middle East, including the longstanding principle that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon? What are the prospects for returning to talks after the U.S. strike? Will Israel continue its own military campaign, and if so, what would that mean for the future of U.S.-Israel relations? To discuss these issues, The Washington Institute announces a virtual Policy Forum with:

Dennis Ross, the Institute's Davidson Distinguished Fellow and a former senior White House and State Department official in the Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Obama administrations.

Michael Herzog, Israel's ambassador to the United States from 2021 to 2025 and a retired brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces who served as head of the strategic planning division.

Dana Stroul, director of research and Kassen Senior Fellow at the Institute; former deputy assistant defense secretary for the Middle East in the Biden administration.

Robert Satloff, the Institute’s Segal Executive Director and Howard P. Berkowitz Chair in U.S. Middle East Policy.

The Policy Forum series is made possible through the generosity of the Florence and Robert Kaufman Family.