Why did the war on Iran start? Was it because Israel had decided to launch a go-it-alone air war, as Marco Rubio said? Was it because Pete Hegseth convinced Donald Trump to go to war? Did the US really believe that Iran would be a passive victim and not retaliate with attacks on energy facilities? But when this conflict subsides (as distinct from ends), the damage done to Israel internationally will remain.

Source: The Irish Times March 25, 2026 10:31 UTC