The United States and Israel began their nearly three-week war on Iran with seemingly aligned objectives: to topple Iran’s leader, weaken its military and permanently end its nuclear program. However, their goals are increasingly diverging as the conflict continues.

For the United States, the stakes are global. As a superpower, it is focused on maintaining stability in the worldwide oil supply and protecting allies around the Persian Gulf. Iran does not pose an existential threat to Washington, and American leaders are wary of economic fallout at home, particularly rising fuel prices that could hurt voters.

Israel’s priorities are more regional and immediate. Determined to neutralize a government that has called for its destruction, Israel has intensified strikes on Iranian officials, energy facilities and the militant group Hezbollah. Analysts say Israel is less concerned about global economic consequences and more willing to sustain a prolonged conflict if it believes it can decisively weaken its longtime adversary.