On February 28, the United States conducted a surprise attack on Iran, marking its second strike in just eight months, this time involving Israel in a joint operation. This is the first instance since the Trump administration that the U.S. has attacked the Iranian mainland, crossing over from territorial waters and neighboring countries. The article recalls the historical backdrop of U.S.–Iran relations, dating back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution when the U.S. embassy was seized, leading to unsuccessful rescue attempts under President Jimmy Carter. Unlike the limited military operations of the past, this action raises questions about the nature and intent of U.S. foreign policy.

President Trump, during his tenure, touted an 'America First' doctrine, implying a reluctance for foreign military involvement. Nevertheless, his actions contradicted these claims, such as the unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA) that Barack Obama’s administration had established in 2015. As the presidential election cycle begins again in 2024, Trump continues to promise to end endless wars and diminish the defense industry’s overwhelming influence, yet his presidency has been marked by increased military engagement in various regions.

The U.S. has continued to use militaristic strategies regardless of the ruling political party, leading to comparisons of America as a ‘one trillion dollar war machine’ by experts. There's a pattern where U.S. military action often targets nations abundant in oil resources, reflecting an intertwined political-military-industrial complex that shapes American foreign policy. The article suggests that the ongoing debate over U.S. military interventions is crucial in understanding the implications for global stability and justice.