What Happens When The US Joins The War Against Iran? (image-instagram/The White House)

For more than three decades, Israel has consistently argued that Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, viewing it as a direct threat to its security. Without provocation or prior warning, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure from June 13 onwards.

However, Iran’s counterattack appeared to catch Israel off guard. On Sunday alone, Iran reportedly launched a significant number of ballistic missiles, some of which penetrated Israel’s Iron Dome defence system. Tehran has stated that it will continue its response to Israeli strikes in phases, suggesting the conflict may escalate further.

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Despite suffering significant losses, Tehran has shown no signs of slowing down. However, if the United States — Israel’s long-standing ally, which so far has sent mixed signals regarding the regional conflict — decide to join the fight, the situation could quickly escalate out of control.

Will Trump Join The War?

After 14 hours, as Israel began its attack on Iran, Trump posted that he had given Iran a 60-day deadline to reach an agreement, and apparently, the deadline had passed. When Trump had left the G7 summit abruptly before the event ended, he had warned all citizens to evacuate immediately from Iran. He had also denied all speculations regarding the negotiation of a ceasefire and claimed it to be “something bigger” than that. His commentary had fuelled debate among analysts regarding the true extent of US involvement in the issue.

Israel is believed to have destroyed the above-ground section of Iran’s uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. The facility has enriched uranium to 60 per cent purity – far above the 3.67 per cent needed for nuclear power but below the 90 per cent purity needed for an atomic bomb.

Furthermore, the power loss at Natanz as a result of the Israeli airstrike has damaged the underground enrichment section, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

However, to destroy the underground facilities, Israel will need the US conventional bomb, the 13,600kg (30,000lb) Massive Ordnance Penetrator, according to an Al Jazeera report.

According to critics, Trump will join the winning side. As of now he seems impressed with the Israel’s initial military achievements and, according to analysts, he will join the war to get the credit for it.

But at the same time, as the conflicts escalates, US Senator Tim Kaine introduced a war power resolution on Monday that would require the US Congress to authorise any military action against Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran had warned US intervention in the conflict with Israel would risk an “all-out war”. The Minister of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, while speaking to Al Jazeera had said that they have maintained a good relation with Arab countries. “They are very cognisant of the fact that Israel has been trying to drag others into the war. … We are sure our Arab countries hosting US bases would not allow their territory to be used against their Muslim neighbours,” he said.

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According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US operates a broad network of military sites, both permanent and temporary, across at least 19 locations in the region. And there are almost 40,000 to 50,000 troops across these sites.

The countries with the most number of troops include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. If Iran chooses to attack military bases in the region, it could trigger severe consequences, potentially leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and many more.

A regime change which Israel had long wished to reshape West Asia will become a reality, if Tehran falls. And this would eventually weaken Russia’s strategic influence in the region as the Assad’s regime in Syria is far gone. For now, Trump has shown no intention of calling for a ceasefire, and if the conflict intensifies, he may be compelled to join the war.