This is a geopolitical story framing the US strikes on Iran as the result of pressure from Israel, not an independent American decision.

• US officials told Congress they knew an Israeli strike on Iran was coming, so the US hit first to get ahead of it.
• Once Israel attacked, Iran was expected to retaliate against American bases, which pulled the US into the fight.
• The strikes on Iran are described as a US move to head off a bigger war over nuclear weapons.
• Israel's leadership has pushed for regime change in Iran since the 1990s, long before this conflict.
• The outcome benefited Israel's long-standing goal, achieved using American weapons and troops.

Outlook: Expect continued debate over whether the US was maneuvered into this conflict, with lasting strain on how much independence the US has in setting its own Iran policy.