What US-Israeli targets reveal about Iran war goals three weeks in
Al Jazeera
From degradation of military to efforts to foment unrest, targets show array of objectives but no single endgame.
Washington, DC – The administration of US President Donald Trump has offered a carousel of contradicting final objectives for the US-Israeli war with Iran: destroying its regional military might; decapitating its leadership; fomenting dissent; eliminating its nuclear programme.
But beyond the rhetoric, military targets over three weeks of fighting have painted a picture of how the US and Israel are prioritising those goals, while raising further questions about Washington’s final endgame in the conflict and its potentially diverging ambitions from Israel.
In some ways, the targets have reflected the Trump administration’s stated multipronged war aims, offering several avenues for Trump to claim some level of success and attempt to disengage.
But how the US and Israel have so far prosecuted the war has also removed many off-ramps in the grinding conflict, opening the door to prolonged escalation, analysts told Al Jazeera.
“President Trump has outlined a wide array of goals,” Jon Alterman, a global security and geostrategy analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told Al Jazeera.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola refuses to talk rivalry with Arsenal at a time when ‘the world is going to collapse’.
From degradation of military to efforts to foment unrest, targets show array of objectives but no single endgame.
Move comes as Swiss government also closed its airspace to US military flights directly linked to the Iran war.
The price of Russian Urals has soared in recent weeks. How Russia – and other energy producing nations – could profit.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says ‘clear dates’ needed as Ukrainian negotiators prepare for discussions in US.
Experts say while Gulf states need support in face of Iranian attacks, it is less clear what their allies can provide.
US preparations fall behind for FIFA World Cup 2026, leading to growing concerns about security risks at events.
Israeli air strikes target army camps in response to alleged attacks on the Druze community in Suwayda on Thursday.
Slovenia’s election sees the centre-left coalition take on the populist right amid claims of foreign meddling.
Women’s Asian Cup hosts Australia face criticism for the political tug of war over the Iranian women’s football team.
What is being done to Iran today could be done to Africa tomorrow. Africa must reject this illegal war.
Lloyd’s List reports that ships could be allowed to pass through ‘safe corridor’ once they are approved by IRGC.
People gather with family and for congregational prayers to mark the end of the holy fasting month.