NEW YORK, November 21. /TASS/. If President-elect Donald Trump gives more American taxpayer money to Israel, it could lead to a full-scale armed conflict between Tehran and Jerusalem, the New York Times reported.

According to the newspaper, Trump’s decision to appoint a number of pro-Israel politicians to key positions in his administration shows where his head is at. In addition, Trump has previously expressed support for a possible Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in the future.

The New York Times also said that the April and October tit-for-tat strikes by Iran and Israel are far removed from the "shock and awe" doctrine employed by the US during its 2003 invasion of Iraq. That strategy relied on overwhelming firepower to crush not only the enemy's military material infrastructure but also its will to resist.

Employing the "shock and awe" doctrine at the present stage of the conflict between Israel and Iran is unlikely due to the logistical challenges of direct military engagement: the distance between them is 1,200 kilometers. However, if Trump radicalizes US policy further, the conflict could escalate sharply, the newspaper said.

During his first term as US president, Trump proclaimed a policy of maximum pressure on Iran, imposed tough sanctions against the country, withdrew from the nuclear deal and ramped up military, political and economic support for Israel.

Tehran advises Trump to soften on Iran after he returns to the White House in January 2025. If the president-elect chooses not to do so, the US will face "maximum resistance" from Iran, the country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pointed out.