[U.S. Officials Envision Israel Striking Iran First Before U.S. Intervention] On February 26, according to Politico, two informed sources revealed that senior advisers to Trump favored having Israel take military action against Iran before the U.S. launched an attack. These officials believe that an Israeli strike could provoke an Iranian counterattack, thereby garnering support from American voters for U.S. military action. Polls show that Americans (especially Republicans) support regime change in Iran but are reluctant to risk casualties. One informed source stated that if Israel acts first and Iran retaliates against the U.S., it would provide more political justification for action. Although the U.S. hopes Israel will act first, the two informed sources said that a joint U.S.-Israel operation remains the most likely scenario.