Israel Iranian attacks divide Democrats and Republicans on policy
President Donald Trump is urging Iran to return to talks with the U.S. over the Islamic State’s nuclear program “before it’s too late.” The president made his comments on day four of the missile strikes and aerial attacks between Iran and Israel that were triggered by Israel’s initial attack, which killed top members of Iran’s military.
“They should talk, and they should talk immediately,” Trump told reporters on Monday in Canada, where he was attending an annual meeting of top western leaders. The daily bombardments between the two countries have led to rising death tolls in each nation, dominating global headlines and sparking concerns of an even wider war in the Middle East.
A massive plume of smoke and fire rose from an oil refinery in southern Tehran following reports that an overnight Israeli strike targeted the site on Jun. 15, 2025. Back in the U.S., the attacks have exacerbated already existing divisions within both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Democrats have grappled with internal splits for a couple of years over Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Jackie Rosen voiced support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Pramila Jayapal cautioned against escalating violence.
On the Republican side, Trump continued to push for negotiations while also emphasizing U.S. support for Israel. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly backed Israel’s right to self-defense, while Sen. Lindsey Graham praised Israel’s military strikes.
However, the rise of Trump’s America First movement has shifted the GOP’s stance on foreign military involvement. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson urged caution in getting involved in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Matthew Bartlett, a Republican strategist, noted that Trump’s America First approach has reshaped the party’s views on foreign engagements. The current conflict between Israel and Iran presents a major decision point for the GOP’s future foreign policy outlook.
The divide in the GOP can be traced to Trump’s promises to pull America back from global entanglements. The party’s long-standing support for Israel and animosity towards Iran now come into play as they navigate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the tensions between Iran and Israel have reignited debates within both political parties in the U.S. The shifting dynamics in the GOP, influenced by Trump’s America First ideology, present challenges and opportunities as they navigate the complex foreign policy landscape.
