麻豆社

For Israel鈥檚 prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the war on Iran is the culmination of a long-standing political ambition. On Sunday, Netanyahu said he was finally doing what he had 鈥渉oped to achieve for 40 years 鈥� to crush the regime of terror completely.鈥� Polling suggests the war is popular in Israel too.

But it鈥檚 a lot more complicated for Donald Trump. He was elected on a promise to end foreign wars, and current polling suggests the war is not supported by most Americans.

We talk to the 麻豆社鈥檚 international editor Jeremy Bowen about whether this war, which Netanyahu says is an opportunity, complements or collides with Donald Trump鈥檚 own interests. And ask if Benjamin Netanyahu has everything to gain from this war, and Donald Trump a lot more to lose?

Producers: Lucy Pawle and Sam Chantarasak

Sound engineer: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters. U.S. President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they shake hands during a press conference after meeting at Trump鈥檚 Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 29, 2025.