Trump Aiding Israel Can Reverse 40 Years of Failed Middle East Policy
By Morton A. Klein
(June 18, 2025 / USA Today) On June 12, after 60 days of fruitless negotiations between President Donald Trump and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel struck decisively. The Jewish state launched precision attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, senior military figures, lead nuclear scientists and missile stockpiles. These actions were not sudden or isolated — they were a direct response to decades of failed U.S. and European policies that have allowed Iran’s terror-driven regime to thrive. With U.S. military support, particularly B-52 bombers and Massive Ordnance Penetrators, or MOPs, Trump now has a historic opportunity to do what others have failed to: end Iran’s nuclear threat and bring true security to the Middle East.
For more than 40 years, the Iranian regime has waged ideological war against both Israel and the United States, labeling them the “Little Satan” and “Great Satan.” Since the 1979 hostage crisis, Iran has built a web of terror proxies across the region, targeting Israeli civilians and U.S. interests. Chants like “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” are common in Tehran. And while U.S. administrations have alternated between appeasement and indecision, Iran has steadily expanded its power and influence.
Trump, however, broke from the past. In his first term, he withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA — a deeply flawed agreement that Iran repeatedly violated. Instead of trusting Tehran’s promises, he imposed harsh sanctions and exposed Iran’s deception. Trump recognized what previous leaders ignored: a peaceful nuclear program doesn’t involve building ballistic missiles or hiding uranium enrichment deep underground.
When Trump returned to office, he again gave diplomacy a chance. He offered Iran 60 days to engage in serious negotiations. But instead of genuine diplomacy, Tehran stalled for time, accelerating uranium enrichment and expanding its ballistic missile arsenal. The regime’s goal was clear: to reach nuclear breakout while deceiving the international community.
Why did Israel attack?
Israel acted only after the 60-day deadline passed. On the morning of June 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency overwhelmingly declared Iran in breach of its nuclear obligations. In defiance, Iran announced plans for yet another uranium enrichment facility. Israel responded with surgical strikes to neutralize what had become an imminent existential threat.
Iran, by contrast, has unleashed massive attacks on civilians. Over four days, Iran has launched 370 ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, killing 24 — including children — and injuring nearly 600 more. Despite the horror, the Israeli people have stood firm. Their unity, spanning both left and right political factions, reflects their resolve to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities before it’s too late.
The U.S. has supported Israel through defensive aid, including intercepting incoming drones and deploying aircraft carriers. But now is the moment for America to take the next critical step. By providing Israel with GBU-57 MOPs and B-2 bombers, capable of destroying deeply buried nuclear facilities like those at Fordow, the U.S. can help deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Decisive action on Iran must be taken
This is a rare strategic window. Israel has already crippled Iran’s air defenses. The world may never again have such a clear path to eliminate this threat. Failing to act now could leave Iran free to rebuild, and eventually trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, with devastating consequences.
History shows that decisive action does not always provoke international backlash. When Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fell, or when Israel neutralized top Hezbollah figures, no major powers rushed to their defense. Similarly, Iran may find itself isolated if its nuclear capabilities are destroyed. But if Iran goes nuclear, deterrence may no longer be enough, especially given its extremist ideology.
This issue isn’t just about protecting Israel. Iran has targeted America for decades. From the 1979 embassy takeover to the 9/11 attacks, which a U.S. court linked to Iran’s support and planning, Tehran has American blood on its hands. Hundreds of Americans have died at the hands of Iranian-backed terrorists in Beirut, Iraq, and elsewhere. Just last year, Iran seized a U.S.-associated oil tanker in international waters. Today, its proxies are again attacking U.S. troops. Iran even maintains a hit list of American officials and civilians. I myself was recently warned by FBI agents that I am among those targeted.
Stopping Iran’s nuclear program is not a favor to Israel; it’s a matter of American national security. It’s about preventing a regime with a documented history of terror and aggression from possessing the most dangerous weapons on Earth.
As Trump stated recently, “You can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon.”
If the world truly seeks peace, then now is the time to act decisively. Supplying MOPs and B-52s isn’t just a military move; it’s a chance to end decades of failure and change the course of history.
Morton A. Klein is the National President of the Zionist Organization of America, or ZOA.
This op-ed was originally published in USA Today and can be viewed here.