This visit is far more than a routine diplomatic trip. Netanyahu is seeking to convince Washington that Iran is on the brink of collapse, hoping to rekindle Trump’s pressure campaign against Tehran. This is the same approach he employed in 2018 to push the U.S. out of the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal). But this time, his own situation is more precarious. Under pressure from Israeli public opinion and far-right factions, Netanyahu is desperate to secure American military and financial aid for his political survival.
Project to portray Iran as collapsing
In Washington, war-hawk groups and anti-Iran analysts are presenting a distorted picture of Iran’s domestic situation. They claim that Iran’s regional influence has diminished due to recent developments in Syria and Lebanon and argue that Hezbollah can no longer play a decisive role as Tehran’s ally in the Levant. At the same time, they assert that economic sanctions have intensified social discontent in Iran, pushing the government toward nuclear weapons development as its only option.
This narrative—that internal and external pressures have pushed Iran to the verge of collapse—is a strategic discourse promoted by Israeli-aligned analysts and media. These claims, continuously amplified by specific sources, aim to mislead American policymakers, potentially steering the U.S. administration toward misguided decisions.
The belief that regime change in Iran is imminent has historically led the U.S. to costly policy missteps. Past experiences have demonstrated that such false narratives—often at odds with on-the-ground realities—have not only failed to weaken Iran but have, in many cases, strengthened its economic, military, and political capabilities.
Israel’s internal crisis and Netanyahu’s need for diversion
One of the primary reasons Netanyahu is resorting to this narrative is Israel’s internal crisis following the Gaza conflict. The recent ceasefire with Hamas has placed immense pressure on Netanyahu, whose political position is already fragile. Right-wing factions accuse him of weakness and retreat. In this context, Netanyahu understands that to maintain his position, he must highlight a threat greater than Hamas—and what better candidate than Iran?
By portraying Iran as a crumbling state on the verge of collapse, Netanyahu hopes to convince Washington that Israel, now more than ever, requires American military and financial support to deliver a decisive blow. This strategy comes at a time when Israeli public opinion has turned skeptical of his leadership following the Gaza war. For Netanyahu, sustaining his political career depends on manufacturing an external enemy.
Is Iran really on the verge of collapse?
Contrary to Netanyahu’s claims, the realities on the ground suggest otherwise. Despite sanctions and external pressures, Iran has demonstrated significant adaptability in political, economic, and security spheres. Many of the recent economic policies—often portrayed as signs of crisis—are in fact part of long-term reforms aimed at managing economic challenges. Iran has expanded its production capacity and reduced dependence on oil revenues, enabling it to navigate difficult conditions.
On the military front, Iran remains a key regional actor. Despite claims of Hezbollah’s weakening, Iran has continued to develop its missile, drone, and defense systems, significantly enhancing its strategic deterrence. Direct and indirect clashes between Israel and Iran’s allies in the region have demonstrated Tehran’s ability to sustain and expand its defensive and offensive capabilities, relying on indigenous technologies.
Time and again, American and Israeli war hawks have misjudged Iran’s resilience. Their repeated assertions that economic pressure would cripple Iran or lead to regime collapse have proven unfounded, largely based on flawed intelligence and media spin.
Netanyahu’s dangerous game of deception
Netanyahu’s claim that Iran is on the verge of collapse is primarily aimed at convincing Trump to reinstate maximum pressure. However, this strategy has already been tested—and failed. The 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal was supposed to bring Iran to its knees, yet it resulted in Tehran advancing its peaceful nuclear program, strengthening its economic resistance, and expanding its regional influence.
The real motive behind Netanyahu’s narrative is not regional security but his own political survival. Facing internal turmoil, he seeks to leverage U.S. support to maintain power. The real danger, however, lies in the fact that his misinformation campaign—if accepted by American policymakers—could once again push Washington into flawed decisions that escalate regional tensions.
A lie for political survival
Netanyahu understands that his political future hinges on Washington’s backing. However, the disinformation he and his war-hawk allies are spreading risks leading the U.S. down yet another misguided path. Contrary to these claims, Iran remains a formidable regional power with effective deterrence capabilities and crisis management strategies. American policymakers must remain vigilant, ensuring that Netanyahu’s personal ambitions do not dictate U.S. policies and drag the region into another costly conflict.
NOURNEWS