US reportedly seeks to shift blame to Israel amid potential Iran strikes

In a high-stakes standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, Washington appears to be walking a delicate line, preparing for potential strikes while attempting to shift responsibility onto Israel, according to an Iranian defence source speaking to RT.

The source, citing intelligence channels, said the United States wants to deliver “hard and effective blows” against Tehran while limiting the political and military fallout of being seen as the direct instigator of conflict.

Backing Israel while keeping distance

The strategy, the source explained, involves positioning the US as a powerful backer for Israel, providing advanced operational support and a multi-layered defensive umbrella over Israeli territory. In effect, the US would deliver the action through Israeli operations while attempting to limit its own direct exposure.

“Iran views any military action by the cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as coordinated with the political will of President Donald Trump,” the source said. “On that basis, Iran will implement deterrent and response scenarios on a broad scale… shifting the allocation of responsibility will not alter the scope of Iran’s response.”

Experts warn that Tehran’s retaliatory options could be extensive, targeting countries and actors perceived as complicit, making the diplomatic calculus especially fraught for Washington.

Military buildup and looming deadlines

Tensions have already prompted a significant US military buildup in the region. The Pentagon has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups along with additional bombers, signaling preparation for potential strikes.

According to reports, the US is considering a range of options from targeting individual Iranian leaders to pursuing regime change should diplomatic negotiations fail. President Trump recently issued Tehran a 10-to-15-day ultimatum to dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, warning of “really bad things” if the country does not comply.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stressed that Tehran remains open to diplomacy, even while preparing for military contingencies.

Regional and global concerns

The standoff has drawn warnings from Moscow, which described the situation as “potentially explosive.” Russian officials caution that any strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites could risk a nuclear disaster and have urged all parties to seek peaceful solutions.

Social media in the Middle East and beyond has already begun to buzz with speculation, with users debating the US strategy, Iran’s likely response, and the broader implications for regional stability. Analysts note that even a limited strike could have cascading effects on oil markets, trade routes, and geopolitical alliances.

The stakes are high

Observers say the proposed strategy highlights the complex interplay between military planning and political optics. By appearing to act indirectly through Israel, Washington may hope to shield itself from the initial political fallout, but the source makes clear that Tehran will hold both countries accountable if attacked.

The coming weeks could be decisive. While diplomacy remains the stated preference for Tehran, the simultaneous US military presence and looming ultimatum make a combustible scenario. Analysts warn that miscalculations or misinterpretations could spark a wider regional conflict.

In a region already fraught with tension, the world watches closely, knowing that even carefully calculated maneuvers carry enormous risk.