In the wake of a rapidly escalating Middle East crisis, former US Army Colonel and military strategist Douglas Macgregor has issued a stark warning against American involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran. As tensions threaten to erupt into full-scale regional war, Macgregor criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for triggering the crisis and now seeking American military intervention to escape its fallout, as per a report by the Cnbctv18.
“Israel Lit the Fire – Now Wants Help Putting It Out”
Writing on X on June 15, Macgregor painted a grim picture of unfolding events. He accused Israel of launching a surprise preemptive strike on Iran just as delicate negotiations between Washington and Tehran were underway.
“Iran was caught off guard — this was their Pearl Harbor moment,” Macgregor wrote. “But in under 18 hours, Tehran launched hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles into Israel. Tel Aviv was hit. Israel’s Iron Dome collapsed. Intelligence failed. And now Netanyahu is pleading for the US to step in and save them from a war they ignited.”
Israel’s initial attack targeted Iranian military sites and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran unleashed a devastating barrage of missile strikes, with several hitting deep into Tel Aviv. Civilian casualties have been reported, and the attack exposed critical vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defence and intelligence apparatus.
The Israeli government had hoped for US backing, but Washington quickly distanced itself. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement: “Israel acted on its own. The United States is not involved in strikes on Iran. Our priority remains the protection of American forces in the region.”
Nevertheless, former US President Donald Trump admitted to knowing about the Israeli plans beforehand, stating in an interview: “Iran must not possess a nuclear bomb. We hope to resume negotiations soon.” At the same time, Trump emphasized that the US would respond forcefully if attacked.
Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, ahead of now-cancelled nuclear talks, warned the US of dire consequences if it is drawn into conflict: “All US bases in the region are within range. If war is imposed on us, we will boldly target them.”
Despite Washington’s disavowals, Iran remains suspicious of American complicity. Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi told Iranian media that “Israel carried out its strikes with American support. Israel will face serious consequences.”
Netanyahu, meanwhile, thanked Trump in a public birthday message, calling him a “bold, historic leader who did great things for Israel.” Trump, in turn, described Israel’s attack on Iran as “excellent” and “very successful” but reiterated that the US had no direct involvement.
On June 15, Trump took to Truth Social to assert once again: “The US was not part of the strike on Iran. But if Iran attacks us, it will face the full might of our military — like never before.” He added that a peace deal between Iran and Israel is still possible.
Colonel Macgregor, known for his candid military assessments, placed much of the blame on the long-term missteps of US foreign policy:
“Since 2003, the US has burned through $12 trillion in the Middle East. 7,000 Americans dead. 50,000 wounded. Now we’re $37 trillion in debt.”
He warned that if Israel expands the war by attacking key Iranian oil export hubs like Kharg Island or Bandar Abbas, Iran could shut down the Strait of Hormuz — a choke point for global oil supplies.
“Gas prices will skyrocket to $7 a gallon. Trucks won’t deliver food. The economy crashes — all because Israel wants the US to fight its war,” he said.
With 40,000 American troops stationed across the Persian Gulf, Macgregor warned they are extremely vulnerable:
“Iran’s Shahed-136 drones cost $20,000. A single US Patriot missile costs $4 million. Do the math.”
Macgregor called for an urgent pivot to diplomacy and outlined a five-point plan:
- Immediate UN-led ceasefire
- Suspension of US aid to Israel until it halts aggression in Gaza and the West Bank
- A multilateral peace summit involving global powers
- Re-evaluation of US military presence in the Middle East
- Refocusing American priorities on internal development
“America First means putting America first — not Israel, not Ukraine, not NATO,” Macgregor declared. “For 22 years, Washington’s war hawks lied, wasted lives, and profited. It’s time for a reset. America must not be dragged into another war of choice.”
As the drums of war echo across West Asia, the United States stands at a crossroads. Will it once again sacrifice its soldiers, economy, and moral standing for an ally’s unilateral gamble — or will it choose diplomacy over destruction?
Colonel Macgregor’s warning is clear: This is not America’s war to fight. In a time of global uncertainty and domestic challenges, the United States must reclaim its sovereignty in decision-making and prioritize peace over politics.
The choice is no longer about supporting allies blindly — it’s about saving America from repeating the mistakes of the past.
