The US is considering providing more of its military systems to Israel to be able to “defend” itself against the threat of Iran, according to a new unclassified Department of War document.
The document, which was released on Friday, is published once every four years and details the US’s national defence strategy for 2026.
According to the strategy by the Pentagon, Iran’s 'Axis of Resistance' was devastated by Israel’s 12-day war, the US’s Midnight Hammer strike on its nuclear sites, and Operation Rough Rider, which targeted the Houthis.
Iran, however, the document states, is intent on rebuilding its military forces, and its leaders have left open the possibility that it will try to obtain a nuclear weapon by refusing meaningful negotiations. They may also seek to rebuild their infrastructure and capabilities and are intent on “destroying our close ally Israel.”
In 2025, a White House document on the National Security Strategy called Iran “the region's chief destabilising force”. It also said that the country was weakened by Israeli actions since October 7, 2023. However, the document did not go beyond stating that the Middle East is an important supplier of energy and makes no further mention of Iran.
The document released on Friday, however, said that “the Iranian regime has the blood of Americans on its hands" and that "it remains intent on destroying our close ally Israel."
The US, however, sees this as an opportunity. It called Israel a “model ally” and said that it “demonstrated that it is both willing and able to defend itself with critical but limited support from the United States. “
The defence strategy was released just as Israeli defence forces completed preparation for a potential US attack on Iran after it sent its USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers and naval vessels to the Gulf region. Analysts say that the US is unlikely to attack Iran directly and would rely on Israel to make the move. The last time the US built up its naval forces in the region was right before Israel’s 12-day war with Iran.
The document called it an “opportunity now to further empower it to defend itself and promote our shared interests."
It also says that other allies in the Gulf are also willing to do more to “defend themselves against Iran and its proxies, including by acquiring and fielding a variety of U.S. military systems."
The document also states that this will allow them enable the partners to “do more for their defence.”