President Donald Trump is facing immense pressure to avoid a war with Iran, but events are quickly pushing him toward potential involvement. Although Trump has rejected Israeli calls to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader and remains hesitant to commit U.S. forces, Iran’s potential retaliation or escalation could force his hand. Domestic political pressures are also mounting, with Republican leaders like Mike Pence and Sen. Lindsey Graham urging Trump to join efforts to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities, arguing it’s a matter of protecting Israel and preventing a global threat. Trump, who champions an “America First” agenda, is deeply aware of how a new Middle East war would alienate his political base, particularly younger and more isolationist voters who helped him return to office.

At the same time, Trump’s foreign policy is unraveling. His influence over leaders like Putin, Xi, and Netanyahu appears diminished. Israel’s independent strike on Iran has undermined U.S. diplomatic efforts and dragged the region closer to a wider conflict. Meanwhile, Trump’s tough talk and promises of dealmaking have not produced results on the world stage. Domestically, his heavy-handed actions — including threats to deploy troops during protests — have deepened public mistrust. His initial vision of fostering peace and trade in the Middle East now clashes with the grim reality of escalating violence and instability. If war with Iran becomes unavoidable, Trump risks not only global consequences but also the erosion of a central pillar of his political identity — avoiding foreign entanglements and endless wars.