American foreign policy

The Israeli strikes aren't about facilities or centrifuges, but regime change

Trump and Netanyahu disagree on whether to use military force to stop Iran's nuclear programme, and Israel's punishing attack on Iran places the region on a worrisome trajectory

While Israel's attack dealt a severe blow to Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, the long-term impact remains uncertain as Tehran's potential for retaliation introduces new risks

Each side's actions carry risks of misjudgment, miscalculation, and the possibility that the conflict could escalate beyond the planned declared limits

The attack comes after a frenzy of speculation that Israel was planning to take military action against Iran's nuclear facilities

Tensions reach a boiling point as an IAEA report finds Tehran in breach of its nuclear obligations. Meanwhile, US personnel are ordered out of the region in a sign that escalation may be imminent.

Trump should continue turning the page toward a new Middle East and manage escalation with Iran carefully

Will he be the president to finally break America's addiction to Middle East interventions?

The bonds between Japan and the Middle East are based on trust and respect, since both seek peace and stability in the region. In these newly dangerous times, that bond is even more important.