New York Times coverage linked to rising Middle East conflict risks

Middle Eastern outlets focus on the regional fallout of the US-Iran war and the way some US actors frame it in religious terms. They report that US troops were told the conflict was anointed by Jesus and that a bigger wave of fighting is still to come, raising fears of a long, destructive campaign. Coverage also notes splits inside Trump’s own MAGA base, with some accusing him of fighting Israel’s war, while Trump insists that MAGA and his own leadership are the same.

• •Middle Eastern reports say a US watchdog received complaints that troops were told the Iran war was blessed by Jesus to bring Armageddon.
• •Trump told CNN that the biggest phase of the war with Iran has not yet started.
• •Outlets in the region report MAGA-aligned figures accusing Trump of joining Israel’s war on Iran.
• •Trump has publicly rejected claims that Israel forced him into the conflict, insisting the decision was his.
• •Middle Eastern coverage notes that Republicans in Congress largely defend the Iran strikes while Democrats push for a war powers vote.