Ongoing US-Israel Attacks on Iran and Regional Territorial Control

Monday, June 22, 2026

The United States and Israel have coordinated military actions against Iran since late February, but the U.S. now seems inclined to end the campaign as Iran's regime remains intact and core objectives unmet. Despite this, Israel has gained control over significant territories in southern Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, while domestic political and religious factors in the U.S. continue to bolster sustained support for Israeli interests.

Since February 28, the United States and Israel have been engaged in coordinated military actions against Iran, though Washington now appears to be seeking an end to these operations. Despite the sustained campaign, Iran’s regime remains intact, and the primary objectives set by the U.S. have not been realized.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has seen some strategic gains from the conflict. Although the Iranian military has suffered degradation and its allied proxy forces have been weakened, significant damage has occurred in regions under their control. Furthermore, Israel has expanded its territorial presence, now controlling substantial areas beyond its pre-conflict boundaries. These include a large portion of southern Lebanon, a designated “security zone” in Syria near Damascus, and approximately 58 percent of Gaza.

The continuation of these operations is influenced by complex political and cultural dynamics within the United States. The strong alignment between U.S. evangelical Christians and Israel plays a significant role in shaping policy and public opinion. Evangelicals, who constitute a sizable segment of the American electorate, maintain a deep affinity for Israel rooted in their religious and cultural identity. This connection is particularly prominent within the Republican Party, where Christian nationalists exert considerable influence.

This religious and cultural bond may explain why, despite some internal criticism, there is unlikely to be a decisive break in U.S.-Israeli cooperation regarding actions in the region. While some voices advocate for a cessation of hostilities, the broader framework of American domestic politics, shaped in part by these religious constituencies, appears to support continued alignment with Israeli interests.

As the campaign continues to unfold, the prospects for achieving a full resolution remain uncertain. Iran’s regime has endured the attacks, and the United States faces challenges in meeting its broader war aims. Meanwhile, Israel consolidates control over contested territories and seeks to sustain its strategic position in the face of regional upheaval.