What Happened to America First? When ‘Israel First’ Defines U.S. Policy

by Shariq Us Sabah

On June 22, 2025, U.S.A. struck Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a sharp escalation in the Middle East. This military action, though strategically significant, has overshadowed a much larger geopolitical reality: the U.S. has ceased to follow its own doctrine of “America First” and instead, follows an increasingly perilous “Israel First” policy, one that risks drawing America into a broader regional conflict.

From Doctrine to Dogma

“America First” was conceived as a clarion call to reorient U.S. foreign policy to prioritize domestic interests—security, economy, and energy independence. Under this banner, Trump sought to reduce U.S. entanglement in foreign wars and shield the American taxpayer from the endless costs of military adventurism. Yet, the recent drone strikes on Iran—and Washington’s complicity in such actions—reveal a disturbing shift in that doctrine. The focus now is not on American interests, but on serving Israel’s regional priorities.

The Realities of Escalation: Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea

The danger of this shift goes far beyond just military escalation—it imperils global stability. Iran, feeling cornered, has already threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil trade passes. With tensions rising, there’s a real possibility that Iran, in retaliation for the U.S.-led attacks, could disrupt the flow of global oil shipments, creating an economic shockwave that would cripple energy markets and harm economies worldwide, including America’s.

But the threat doesn’t stop there. Iran, through its proxies, is already pushing aggressively on other maritime chokepoints. The Red Sea, a vital artery for trade between Europe, Africa, and Asia, could be under siege, too. Houthi rebels in Yemen, armed and funded by Tehran, have already made repeated attempts to disrupt shipping routes, including those leading into the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Any disruption in the Red Sea or the Hormuz would dramatically alter global trade dynamics, forcing oil prices to spike and supply chains to break down.

The U.S. military presence in the region, already overstretched, would be tasked with securing these shipping lanes. But this would be a nearly impossible feat, given the rising threat posed by Iranian forces, their proxies, and the sheer volume of maritime traffic. As American warships patrol these vital routes, the risk of accidental escalation with Iranian forces grows ever higher, potentially triggering broader military engagements.

Strategic Ally or Foreign Master?

Israel’s security concerns are valid, but America’s primary concern should be American security. The decision to escalate against Iran under Israel’s influence compromises the very interests that “America First” once championed. The U.S. is no longer focusing on securing its own energy independence or safeguarding its economic interests; it is now being drawn into a quagmire that could destabilize not only the Middle East but the global economy.

Moreover, U.S. complicity in strikes against Iranian infrastructure feeds into the very narrative of Western imperialism that fuels radical ideologies across the region. Rather than leading through diplomacy or working to reduce tensions, the U.S. is now seen as a belligerent actor—a pawn in a larger geopolitical game that risks turning its own military into Israel’s muscle.

The Costs: Economic, Military, and Moral

There’s a significant price to this approach. If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices could soar, affecting everything from gas prices in America to the cost of goods across the globe. A full-scale war in the region would require immense resources—both in terms of military assets and financial backing. More importantly, the toll in human lives would be staggering, particularly among American soldiers who will be tasked with securing vital chokepoints.

The U.S. taxpayer will once again bear the financial burden, while American soldiers could find themselves in the crossfire of a conflict whose long-term strategic value remains unclear. To what end are these lives risked? To appease Israel’s security concerns at the cost of broader American interests?

A New Strategic Vision: Beyond “Israel First”

The U.S. must reexamine its place in the Middle East, keeping in mind its own national interests and not simply reacting to external pressures. While supporting Israel remains important, it should not come at the expense of U.S. stability. A balanced approach—one that emphasizes diplomacy and multilateral engagement—would be a far more effective means of managing the Iranian threat, avoiding unnecessary military conflict, and protecting global trade routes. The United States must recognize that its strategic autonomy is just as important as any ally’s security concerns.

America must return to a policy grounded in “America First”—prioritizing its own interests, security, and future while respecting its allies’ needs. To allow itself to be led by the narrow interests of others, particularly in a region as volatile as the Middle East, is to put its own future in jeopardy.

The world is watching. Will America reclaim its sovereignty over its foreign policy, or will it remain tethered to Israel’s regional calculus? The choice is not just about the Middle East—it’s about the very soul of U.S. foreign policy.

Shariq Us Sabah is a writer and observer of geopolitics. He writes frequently on U.S. foreign policy and Middle Eastern affairs.