The United States views Iran through a prism of global responsibilities and strategic goals. Israel has a more regional approach. After nearly three weeks of war, their paths are diverging.

Last week, Israel began striking Basij checkpoints, extending the threat to low-ranking members.

A campaign unmatched in modern warfare started by taking out Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. As it targets the tentacles of the regime, Israel on Wednesday killed intelligence minister Esmail Khatib, a day after the country’s de facto leader Ali Larijani also perished.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected accusations that he dragged US President Trump into the war with Iran. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu also denied he "misled" Trump,

Israel's largest oil refinery, in the city of Haifa, was hit with shrapnel from an Iranian attack, according to a person familiar with the matter. No injuries were immediately reported. Videos shared by Israeli media showed large plumes of smoke rising from the refinery.

The Iran war is nearing the three-week mark as about 2,200 more U.S. Marines and three more warships are headed toward the region, two U.S. officials say.

Speaking at a news conference, the Israeli leader said Trump had requested that there be no further such attacks.

By Alexander Cornwell, Jana Choukeir and Trevor Hunnicutt TEL AVIV/DUBAI/WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - Iran attacked an oil refinery in Kuwait on Friday and Israel killed a spokesman of Iran's Revolutionary Guards as the U.