Exposed: The Real Reason Behind US Strikes on Iran

In recent weeks, global diplomacy has faced intense pressure, sparked by Israel’s unexpected strike on Iran and followed by Iran’s swift and powerful response. With multiple global conflicts already underway, this new escalation has taken much of the world by surprise. Countries like Russia and China have openly supported Iran, calling Israel’s actions “barbaric” and “unnecessary,” while the United States has taken a rather unclear and mixed stance on the situation.

To better understand America’s diplomatic approach during what is now being referred to as “The 12-Day War,” the One Air Media team sat down with Dr. Amit Gupta, Senior Advisor at the Forum of Federations (Canada).

US’s Strategic Ambiguity

The Israel-Iran war is a clear example of the strategic ambiguity the United States often employs in its diplomatic statements and actions. While much of the world believed that the U.S. had prior intelligence about Israel’s plans concerning Iran, the American administration firmly denied any foreknowledge of the attack. However, this claim was later proven false when former President Trump himself admitted that Israel had, in fact, informed them beforehand.

Speaking about this strategic ambiguity, Dr. Gupta clarifies, “ I think this is just Trump’s negotiating style and foreign policy style– to be ambiguous. J. D. Vance, in one of his interviews, stated very clearly that this is the new Trump Doctrine: 1) Identify the threat, 2)try to solve the conflict diplomatically, 3) If that's not possible, then we use requisite military force.”

Dr. Gupta's view on Trump's negotiating tactics.

From supporting Israel to participating in the war

Tehran observed a sudden turn of events, with America not only openly supporting Israel but also participating in the war. The U.S. struck three of the most strategically critical sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — claiming the presence of nuclear weapons and uranium there. This move was not received well by Western media and the general public. Many countries denounced the attack and defended Iran. But the question remains: does America want to wage a war against Iran?

Answering this question, Dr. Gupta stated, “ domestically, there is no appetite in the US for long, drawn-out conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.”

The U.S. strike on Fordow devastated one of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites, crippling uranium enrichment operations. Massive underground damage halted core activities. — The U.S. strike on Fordow dealt a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, targeting one of its most heavily fortified underground enrichment facilities. The attack caused extensive structural damage, disrupted uranium processing, and temporarily shut down critical operations at the site. (Source)

USA's strike on Natanz. — **The U.S. airstrike on Natanz caused catastrophic damage to Iran’s primary uranium enrichment site.** Known for housing over **15,000 centrifuges** across both underground and above-ground sections, Natanz suffered severe hits to its central halls and power infrastructure. Explosions destroyed key production units, rendering a significant portion of Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity inoperable. Intelligence estimates suggest that **nearly 60% of the site’s operational capacity was crippled**, setting Iran’s nuclear timeline back by several months, if not years. (Source)

The U.S. strike on Isfahan inflicted severe damage on Iran’s uranium conversion facility, crippling key production halls and storage units. — **The U.S. airstrike on Isfahan delivered a targeted blow to one of Iran’s key nuclear and missile development hubs.** The Isfahan site, home to uranium conversion facilities and research reactors, sustained heavy damage, especially in its industrial workshops and storage complexes. Satellite imagery shows charred structures, collapsed roofs, and widespread fire damage. Intelligence assessments estimate that **over 50% of the facility’s operational zones were destroyed**, significantly disrupting Iran’s ability to convert yellowcake into uranium hexafluoride—an essential step for enrichment. The strike also impacted missile assembly infrastructure reportedly adjacent to the main plant, further crippling Iran’s strategic deterrence. (Source)

The US’s reasoning for the attack on Iran

On the surface, the reasoning for the US’s attack might seem quite clear— internal security and peacekeeping. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the US has more ambitious plans under the guise of peacekeeping. The timing of the attack gives it away. Israel attacked Iran on June 13, 2025, two days before the negotiations between the USA and Iran for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action were about to take place. This could only mean one thing: the USA wanted to weaken Iran to the point of surrender.

Elaborating on this topic, Dr. Gupta explained, “ I think it was to soften up the Iranians, to make them more willing to listen to Trump. It was like a bargaining tactic, the use of force to bargain, manipulation if you want to put it that way.”

US's true intentions about the strike on Iran.

The USA Is Aiming For A Regime Change In Iran?

The USA’s strained relationship with the Iranian regime has been a topic of global discussion for years. The regime is known for its authoritarian rule, radical Islamic stance, and unwillingness to compromise. This has led to unrest not only among Iranian citizens but also across the global geopolitical landscape. From the alleged illegal manufacturing of nuclear weapons to the enforcement of orthodox laws, Iran has damaged its international reputation to a near point of no return, raising questions about the need for a potential regime change. But is that even possible?

Dr. Gupta refuted the allegations, mentioning, “ I don't think that anybody who seriously looks at Iran thinks that you can bring about regime change. Iran is a country of 90 million people; it’s not a small country. It’s not easy to do a regime change there.”

Take a look at this video about the US's plan on Iran's Regime Change!

Is Iran’s situation similar to Iraq’s invasion in 2003?

A very similar situation arose in 2003, when Iraq was accused of harbouring nukes by the USA. Despite Iraq's continuous denials, the USA still chose to attack Iraq and wreak havoc in the guise of “saving the world from another nuclear war”. But the unexpected happened; nothing close to a nuclear weapon was found in Iraq. The media have been pointing out the similarities between these attacks, with the only difference being that Iran did fight back.

Adding to these arguments, Dr. Gupta pointed out that “The Iranians have been preparing for nearly 25 years for this. In 2001, George Bush said that Iran is a part of the axis of evil, so once somebody says that, you know you’re under threat. Iran fought back, but Iraq didn’t.”

Israel: The Scapegoat?

The world has witnessed Israel constantly at war with most of its neighbours over the years, but this attack seemed hurried and uncalled for. It's almost like Israel was being used as a scapegoat by the USA to attack Iran. But Iran’s rebuttal was something unexpected for both the USA and Israel. Iran retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles against the Israeli cities and the US's air bases.

Iran's strike on Israel that lead to severe damage. — **On June 17, 2025, Iran launched over 170 missiles at major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva.** A direct hit on a residential tower in Tel Aviv (pictured) killed **at least 43 civilians** and injured **over 250 others**. The strike caused fires, building collapses, and widespread panic—marking one of the deadliest attacks on Israel in recent years. (Source)

Iran's retailiatory strike on the US's air base. — **Iran’s ballistic missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar marked its most direct assault on a U.S. military installation in the Gulf.** Targeting runways, radar arrays, and logistics zones, the attack temporarily disrupted flight operations and surveillance activities. Military analysts estimate that **at least 5 short-range ballistic missiles** struck key sectors of the base, damaging **two aircraft hangars and one command facility**. Although the U.S. reported minimal casualties, satellite imagery and defense sources indicate **partial infrastructure disablement**, forcing rerouted missions and delayed operations for over **36 hours**. (Source)

“ The Israelis ran into something they didn’t expect. Also, this is the first time that Israel had to run to other countries for protection,” said Dr. Gupta.

The Future of Iran, Israel, and the USA

With the ceasefire announced by President Trump on June 24, 2025, many expected tensions between the countries to ease. However, despite the announcement, both Iran and Israel have violated the ceasefire multiple times. The objectives of all three nations still remain unclear. As a result, the world is left uncertain about the true direction and eventual outcome of this conflict.

Concluding the conversation, Dr. Gupta adds, “ I think what Trump is trying to say is that he would like to see both countries (Israel and Iran) cool it down, and greater economic engagement. But the question is– Is he willing to put all his prestige and power in doing that?”

Connect with Dr. Amit Gupta for more such insights!