JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Steven Pruzansky, an American-born Orthodox rabbi, attorney, author and longtime pro-Israel commentator, sharply criticized President Donald Trump in a newly published opinion essay, accusing the administration of pursuing an Iran policy reminiscent of former President Barack Obama.

Pruzansky, who made aliyah to Israel after serving for more than 25 years as rabbi of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck, New Jersey, currently serves as a senior research associate at the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy and as Israel region vice president of the Coalition for Jewish Values. He is also the author of several books on Jewish thought, ethics and public policy and is a frequent commentator on issues affecting Israel and the Jewish community.

In the essay, Pruzansky repeatedly referred to Trump as “Donald Hussein Obama,” a provocative label intended to underscore what he described as the president’s willingness to negotiate with Iran rather than pursue the complete dismantling of its nuclear capabilities.

Pruzansky argued that any agreement allowing Iran to retain elements of its nuclear program or receive substantial sanctions relief would amount to a strategic victory for Tehran. He contended that Iran has a long history of using negotiations to delay international pressure while preserving its core objectives.

The rabbi was particularly critical of reports surrounding a possible agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Iran should not be rewarded for reopening a key shipping route after disrupting international commerce. He maintained that any deal providing economic benefits to Tehran would help revive the regime’s finances and strengthen its regional influence.

While acknowledging Trump’s past support for Israel, Pruzansky argued that the administration’s current approach increasingly resembles policies he has long criticized under Obama. He warned that Israel’s security interests do not always align perfectly with those of the United States and said Israel must retain the ability to act independently against threats from Iran.

The essay reflects ongoing debate among pro-Israel advocates, policymakers and security analysts over whether diplomacy with Iran can prevent the regime from obtaining nuclear weapons capabilities or merely delay a future confrontation.