US Director of National Intelligence: Israel and the United States have different objectives regarding the Iran war

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines admits that the U.S. and Israel have set different goals in their joint military operations against Iran. This statement highlights tensions between the U.S. and Israel as Israeli fighter jets attack energy facilities and Trump publicly pressures for de-escalation.

Haines previously criticized U.S. involvement in foreign wars. She told Congress that Israel is focused on confronting Iran’s leadership, while the Trump administration’s goal was to weaken Iran’s military capabilities.

“The president’s objectives are not aligned with the Israeli government’s,” she said at a House hearing on global threats on Thursday.

The day before, she also testified similarly at a Senate hearing.

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines testified before the House Intelligence Committee in Washington, D.C., on global threats.

At the time of her remarks, international Brent crude oil prices had surpassed $111, and natural gas prices surged due to market concerns over Israel’s attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field. The attack prompted Iran to retaliate against the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export facility in Qatar.

A few days before the attack, Joe Kent, a senior adviser and senior counterterrorism official, resigned publicly due to dissatisfaction with the war. He stated that Iran “does not pose an imminent threat to the U.S.” and accused Israel of misleading Trump into initiating the war.

Sources say Kent is currently under FBI investigation for allegedly disclosing classified information without authorization. The investigation had begun months before his resignation.

Texas Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro repeatedly asked Haines on Thursday morning whether the U.S. and Israel have “aligned” goals in the current conflict. He specifically inquired about recent Israeli attacks on Iranian energy facilities, which Tehran has vowed to retaliate against, in addition to targeting Qatar.

“Although President Trump asked not to target these facilities, what do you think is Israel’s reason for deciding to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure?” Castro asked.

“I don’t have an answer,” Haines replied. She refused to be further questioned and stated she could not speak on behalf of Israel.