Would the U.S Be Forced to Join an Israeli Strike?

From the London Times:

There is no immediate likelihood of a US military strike; but there are still some in Tel Aviv who believe that an Israeli raid might force Obama’s hand and persuade the Pentagon to join the attack.

Whether the U.S. would be forced to attack Iran after a unilateral strike by Israel very much depends on Iran's response. If Tehran only targets Israel in its retaliation, then it's very unlikely that the U.S. would join in. However, should Iran target American forces and installations in the region after an Israeli attack, then it's very likely that the U.S. would join in.

This is an important question which Iranian decision makers must ponder. Attacking American forces will be a very costly decision. On the one hand, punishing the U.S for an Israeli attack could likewise be very costly. But not punishing the U.S for an Israeli attack - something Iran considers an impossibility without consent from Washington - could bolster America's deterrence at the expense of Iran's. This is a delicate decision that Iranian decision makers must weight carefully, as its consequences could change the balance of power in the region.

(Credit: AP Photos)