Iran Avoids Attacking Israel Due to Strong Deterrence and Trump’s Veto

Middle East analyst Yoni Ben Menachem explained in a Channel 14 interview that Iran refrains from directly attacking Israel because of Israel’s powerful military deterrence and the fear of a decisive Israeli strike. He noted that Israel’s preparations for a "knockout blow" discourage Tehran from initiating conflict.

Ben Menachem also highlighted a political restraint influencing Israel’s actions, citing a "complete veto" by then-US President Donald Trump. Trump reportedly pressured Israel not to escalate tensions, fearing that a strong Israeli attack could ignite a broader regional war ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

The analyst emphasized that Israel currently avoids offensive operations against Iran, which in turn denies Tehran any pretext to retaliate. This mutual restraint is shaped by strategic calculations on both sides, with the US playing a key role in limiting escalation to prevent a wider Middle Eastern conflict.

Ben Menachem summarized that Trump’s main concern was to prevent the conflict from expanding regionally through Iran’s proxies, as such an escalation could jeopardize US interests and influence the upcoming elections. This dynamic explains the current stalemate despite ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.