Iran has emerged as a top priority for Washington, even while the slogan “America First” dominates its political discourse. When Iran becomes first for Washington, first for Israel, first for regional states, and first for Iranians themselves, we are facing an exceptional historical moment unlike any before.
Iran First in US Calculations
In June 2015, Donald Trump raised the slogan “America First” as global diplomacy finalised the nuclear deal (JCPOA). After taking office, he withdrew from the agreement and launched a policy of maximum pressure on Iran. Even after returning to power, the Iranian file remained central to Washington’s priorities.
The issue has spanned multiple US administrations. From Jimmy Carter, who faced the Tehran hostage crisis, to Ronald Reagan’s designation of Iran as a sponsor of terrorism, and George W. Bush’s “Axis of Evil,” Iran has consistently been viewed through a strategic lens. Barack Obama’s nuclear deal marked a shift, but Trump reversed it, reinforcing pressure with both economic and military measures.
Today, US policy toward Iran extends beyond the nuclear issue to include missile capabilities, regional influence, and alliances. Iran’s location along the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy routes, adds a geopolitical dimension, giving Washington leverage over global competitors such as China. Any confrontation or settlement with Tehran carries far-reaching strategic consequences.
Iran First for Israelis
For Israel, confrontation with Iran remains unresolved. The so-called “12-Day War” appears more like a tactical pause than an end to conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasised that Israel will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
Following recent exchanges involving ballistic missiles and advanced weaponry, Israel has faced an unprecedented level of direct threat. At the same time, it has recognised that targeting Iran itself differs significantly from confronting its regional network of allies.
For Tel Aviv, confronting Iran is tied to maintaining regional dominance or removing a strategic threat that now reaches deep within its territory. Israeli leadership has long considered Iran a primary adversary, consistently keeping military options on the table.
Iran First in Regional Calculations
Iran today represents a central force in the Middle East – not only because of its alliances but also due to its ability to escalate any conflict into a region-wide crisis.
Before the 2015 nuclear deal, regional concerns focused on Iran’s missiles and influence, which the agreement did not address. Today, however, the emphasis has shifted toward supporting diplomacy and reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran, especially after the Iran-Saudi reconciliation brokered in Beijing in 2023.
This shift reflects regional fatigue from prolonged conflicts such as the war in Yemen, alongside a growing preference for economic stability over geopolitical confrontation. Confidence in absolute US security guarantees has also declined, reinforcing the need for diplomatic solutions.
If the region once feared a US-Iran agreement at its expense, it now fears a war between them on its own territory. As a result, diplomacy has become a necessity, and Iran remains central to regional calculations.
Iran First for Iranians
Inside Iran, the leadership recognises the scale of the challenges it faces. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has emphasised resistance, declaring that the nation will not surrender to pressure.
At the same time, Iranian discourse increasingly blends national identity with religious ideology, expanding beyond the traditional “axis of resistance” to include themes of sovereignty and national dignity. President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed that while Iran rejects external dictates, it remains open to diplomacy.
Many Iranians, including critics of the system, fear that external intervention could lead to instability similar to Iraq, Syria, or Libya. This has strengthened a sense of national unity, even among those who oppose the government.
Domestically, tensions remain high, with opposition groups viewing the current moment as an opportunity for change. Yet despite political divisions, there is broad agreement that Iran itself must come first.
Iran’s position today reflects a rare convergence: it’s a central concern for global powers, a strategic priority for regional actors, and a defining issue within its own society. This convergence signals a historic turning point. Whether it leads to greater stability, transformation, or further conflict remains uncertain – but what is clear is that the future of the region will continue to revolve around Iran.
[by Hazem Kallas in Al-Araby]
Compiled and Translated by Faizul Haque