Israel’s strikes on Iran show Trump is unable to restrain Netanyahu as Middle East slips closer to chaos

Critics have said the US decision to retreat from the region has led to a greater likelihood of conflict

President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign a bill blocking California's rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Picture: Alex Brandon/AP

As Israeli jets struck targets in Iran on Friday morning, the US moved quickly to distance itself from Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to target Tehran in an escalation that threatens an all-out war in the Middle East.

The unilateral strikes indicated a collapse of Donald Trump’s efforts to restrain the Israeli prime minister and almost certainly scuttled Trump’s efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran that would prevent the country from seeking a nuclear weapon.