Jeffrey Sachs, a professor of economics at Columbia University, has criticized the US and Israeli portrayal of the actions against Iran as a nuclear threat, arguing instead that the ongoing conflict is part of a broader struggle for dominance. Sachs firmly rejects the official narrative, attributing the aggression to deliberate machinations by the US and Israel that pose a significant risk to both the region and the wider world.

In a recent appearance on the program 'Interview' on March 22, 2026, Sachs clarified that discussions surrounding Iran's nuclear program are a pretext rather than the actual issue at hand. He recalled that the nuclear file was essentially resolved in 2015 with a comprehensive agreement that subjected Iran's nuclear program to rigorous oversight—a deal that was unraveled by Donald Trump in 2018 to further US and Israeli interests aimed at asserting dominance rather than ensuring security.

Sachs also pointed out the historical context by referencing a fatwa issued by former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, which prohibits nuclear weapons, along with Iran's repeated calls for international inspectors. However, rather than pursuing diplomatic resolutions, Sachs criticizes the US and Israel for opting for militaristic approaches instead, exacerbating the conflict rather than facilitating peace and stability.