Abstract

This review examines claims that U.S. and Israeli actions are driving cycles of escalation involving Iran and GCC states, sometimes framed around a “Greater Israel” narrative. Using historical ideas, recent military patterns, and regional security dynamics, it analyzes how repeated strikes and retaliations shape tensions, alliances, and strategic calculations across the region. It also considers how U.S. military basing, Gulf security dependence, and energy politics may deepen the risks of entrapment and miscalculation. While the “Greater Israel” concept lacks clear evidence as official policy, the interaction of U.S. regional presence, Israeli Iranian confrontation, and GCC vulnerabilities raises serious concerns about wider instability, global energy disruption, and shifting great power competition.