Balance of Power

Once Against War, Trump Now Stakes It All on Toppling Iran

Saturday’s joint US strikes with Israel cement a 180-degree turn from MAGA orthodoxy.

A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on Feb. 28.Photographer: ATTA KENARE/AFP

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By Mario Parker

February 28, 2026 at 11:56 AM UTC

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Ordering strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, US President Donald Trump completed an about-face from the populist America-first candidate who rose to prominence a decade ago, propelled by Americans’ distaste for foreign military campaigns.