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As the bombs fell on Iran’s nuclear sites, the voices that helped shape the moment ranged from TV pundits to evangelical heavyweights and billionaires.
Adelson’s money, Hannity’s media megaphone, Kurilla’s Iran threat maps and Hegseth’s post-‘SignalGate’ comeback shaped Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump built much of his political identity around staying out of foreign wars. He often reminded supporters on campaign trail, in 2016, 2020 and 2024, that he was the first US President in decades who didn’t start a new conflict and instead focused on tightening America’s borders and rebuilding its economy.
But that image took a sharp turn with the recent US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The decision, seen as a major shift in Trump’s foreign policy, followed months of pressure from key voices inside his team and outside it, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Here’s a look at who those people are.
The Unlikely Trio
When Donald Trump addressed the nation to announce US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, he was flanked by three of his top advisers: Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State (and acting National Security Advisor) Marco Rubio. Each had, at different points, cautioned against direct conflict with Iran, but their presence was meant to convey total alignment.
Hegseth’s elevation was especially notable. Once sidelined over the “SignalGate” leak scandal and seen as a skeptic of long-term entanglements, Hegseth has now emerged as the military face of Trump’s offensive.
Rubio, a longtime Iran hawk, had taken a more cautious line in recent months, acting as a buffer between Trump’s hawkish instincts and diplomatic signals.
Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, the Trump West Asia aide who remained behind the scenes, played a critical backchannel role. Despite criticism from pro-Israel hardliners, Witkoff led several secret rounds of talks with Iran before the strikes and was reportedly close to brokering a limited uranium enrichment deal, the newspaper reported.
The report also highlighted that these three were in the Situation Room when the strikes were carried out.
Susie Wiles – White House Boss Whom Iran Targeted
At the center of Trump’s war council is White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Trusted by Trump since she revived his post-2020 political career, Wiles was present in the Situation Room as the strikes unfolded.
Her tight operational control ensured zero leaks ahead of the assault.
Her security acumen was underscored last year when she was targeted by an Iranian phishing campaign. Trump also reportedly credits Wiles with helping him navigate assassination threats allegedly originating from Tehran.
Military Brass: Trump Taps Caine, Kurilla Over Tulsi
Among those Trump leaned on heavily were CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. Kurilla, widely respected in Israeli defense circles, was instrumental in coordinating regional air defense systems and preparing multiple strike options.
His pending retirement added urgency to the timeline. Caine, dubbed “Raisin’ Caine” by Trump, has long been admired by the US President for his aggressive tactics against ISIS.
Trump made a point to namecheck him during his speech, a nod to their history and mutual respect.
Despite being the head of US intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard’s warnings that Iran had not restarted its nuclear weapons program were dismissed by Trump in blunt terms: “She’s wrong.” Gabbard was in the Situation Room, but her influence was visibly reduced and was not seen in White House photos.
The Media Chorus: Fox Hosts Fan the Flames
Trump’s decision was also swayed by familiar voices from Fox News. Mark Levin, whose influence over the pro-Israel right is unmatched, reportedly hardened Trump’s position after a private White House lunch.
Sean Hannity, meanwhile, publicly called for the destruction of the Fordow nuclear site and revealed strike details on-air minutes after the first bombs fell. Trump is known to value Hannity’s judgment above most in his media circle.
Murdoch, Perlmutter and the Billionaire Push
Behind Fox’s hawkish line stands Rupert Murdoch. His media outlets, especially the New York Post, have consistently pushed for a strike, often casting doubt on Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts.
Murdoch has personally urged Trump to act. Ike Perlmutter, former Marvel executive and Israeli-born GOP donor, was also present at the Trump-Levin meeting.
Despite his private ties to Witkoff, Perlmutter has pushed hard for action, joining other megadonors like Miriam Adelson, who has been linked to some of Trump’s most aggressive Israel policies.
The Evangelical Frame And Parallels To Truman
Evangelical support framed Trump’s strike in theological terms the Haaretz report said. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee compared Trump’s moment to Truman’s atomic decision, declaring, “This moment sought YOU.”
Franklin Graham, another key voice, invoked divine protection for both Israel and Iranian Christians, painting the conflict in Biblical terms. This spiritual framing has played well with Trump’s evangelical base, reinforcing the narrative of a preordained moral duty.
MAGA Skeptics Speak Out: Carlson, Bannon and Greene
Despite overwhelming support within his inner circle, Trump has faced rare dissent from within MAGA ranks. Tucker Carlson has been openly critical, blaming Israeli influence and warning against escalation. Steve Bannon echoed those concerns in a private meeting and then later publicly in podcasts, even as he reassured Trump of continued base support.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken the most aggressive anti-war stance, publicly challenging the Israeli government and warning against MAGA being hijacked by foreign entanglements.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More
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