The United States Should Stay Out of the Israel-Iran War

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a massive aerial offensive against Iran in the early hours of June 13. The Natanz Nuclear Facility was struck with precision weapons, killing 6 senior nuclear scientists. Military bases in Tehran were struck, killing top Iranian military figures. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu called the strikes “preemptive” against the existential threat presented by an increasingly nuclear-capable Iran. In a statement he said “in recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before – steps to weaponize its [stockpile of] enriched uranium".

After the initial Israeli strikes, Iran has vowed a “crushing response”. Hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones were launched into Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem. Iran claims that it targeted Israeli military-industrial centers, while Israel claims that it targeted civilian buildings. Both countries have since traded numerous strikes, with over 200 dead so far on the Iranian side, 20 on the Israeli side.

The Trump administration’s response has so far been mostly muted. The US has acknowledged that it received advance notice of Israel’s attack, but that it was “not involved”. Efforts have been made to evacuate non-essential personnel from US facilities in various Middle East countries. The US did help intercept Iranian missiles on Friday, according to Israeli sources. President Trump has urged Iran to agree to a new nuclear deal “before there is nothing left”

Arguments for the Motion
US intelligence reports as recently as March indicate that Iran was not ready to develop nuclear weapons, directly contradicting Netanyahu’s statements. Experts point-out that although the above-ground nuclear-enrichment facility at Natanz was destroyed, the underground facilities at Fordow has sustained only limited damage. Israel’s actions may delay Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, but it won’t end it. In fact, Iran will be pushed even harder to obtain weapons, precisely to prevent attacks such as these.

From America’s perspective, little is to be gained by Israel’s attack. Israel itself is the bad actor in the Middle East, attacking all its neighbors, committing wide-spread atrocities and war crimes along the way. A US military entry would merely inflame the situation further, placing American facilities and personnel at grave risk, and complicating US relations with Arab countries. President Trump has pursued diplomatic efforts to cut a deal with Iran to end its nuclear weapons program. Ironically enough, Trump’s proposal is very similar to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal signed by the US, 5 countries and Iran, a deal that Trump himself pulled the US out of during his first term.

Arguments Against the Motion
First and foremost, Israel’s attack was in self-defense against a preeminent threat. Iran’s leaders have often talked about “wiping Israel off the map”, using clearly antisemitic language. Iran has long been implacably opposed to Israel’s very existence, and cannot be negotiated with. Although this military action may not end Iran’s nuclear ambition long-term, it will send a powerful message to Iran’s leaders to stand down its opposition to Israel. The US has long been connected to Israel, with extensive military, diplomatic and cultural ties. Israel interests are American interests. The US should continue to stand on the side of the only democracy in the Middle East. It is morally the right thing to do.

How to Join the Meetup
Which side -if any - of this literally explosive topic do you fall on? Should the US stick to the sidelines, and let Israel fight its own battles? Or should the US stand steadfastly with is long-term close ally? Join us at SFDebate where you can voice your opinion and hear that of others.

Once you RSVP, a Zoom link to the event will be visible on the Meetup event page. Although encouraged, no-one is required is speak. You can leave your video off, but remember that debaters who can be seen are considered more persuasive.

There will be a speaker for the motion, and speaker against, followed by a floor debate. If you are interested in being a speaker on either side, please contact Roy Ferreira on Meetup.

https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2025/06/israel-attack-iran-strike-us-response?lang=en
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/13/middleeast/israel-attack-iran-nuclear-program-explainer-intl