Let’s pick up where yesterday ended. “Trump Privately Approved of Attack Plans for Iran but Has Withheld Final Order,” WSJ, 6-18-25. Pres. Trump is “holding off on giving the final order to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program.” I understand that Iran has sent its executive branch airplanes to Muscat, Oman, with diplomats. We’ll see what they tell the U.S. One way this could end is if Iran publicly gives the U.S. permission to drop the bunker buster(s)(the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)) into Fordo and destroy that facility. Israel and the U.S. would then go away. That seems reasonable.
“At Least 7 Iranian missiles hit Israel; heavy damage at Be’er Sheva hospital | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 6-19-25. “In Beersheba, the former surgical building of Soroka Hospital sustained heavy damage, and several people with minor injuries are being treated in the emergency room. … Health Minister Uriel Buso responded to the direct attack on Soroka Hospital by calling it “terrorism” and a “crossing of a red line.” He denounced it as a “war crime deliberately committed by the Iranian regime against innocent civilians and medical teams dedicated to saving lives.” He said the ministry had prepared in advance, preventing disaster.”
So, I’m going to post this on June 19, when Pres. Trump is debating whether a B-2 will drop a bunker buster(s) on Fordo. So much has just recently focused on whether the U.S. will be dragged into another Middle East war if this act is seen as offensive. But if defensive, to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, you can see the interest. Part of the argument by persons against “another war” is that we should all give Iran the chance for diplomacy. Will they? Or do they just want to delay more? Here is a German perspective that the Supreme Leader needs to make up his mind. “Germany’s Merz says US weighing participation in Iran strikes,” Politico, 6-17-25. The German Chancellor says “the decision depends on whether the Iranian regime “is prepared to return” to the negotiating table.”
Another option for the president and for Israel is to send drones into Fordow, perhaps with a commando team, to video and collect samples. Before destroying it.
Been waiting for this attack at Arak. “Israel carries out major airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear reactor in Arak,” i24, 6-19-25.
“Iranian TV hacked, protest footage aired; Israel blamed for cyber offensive,” i24, 6-19-25.
Yes! The mass media and Left and MAGA should take notice. “In Los Angeles, Iranian Jews Dream of an Iran They Could One Day Visit,” WSJ, 6-19-25.
What is the point, CNN? You’ve sent a reporter inside the Regime media outlet IRIB. Are you there to protect press rights? What about government controlled and pro-Regime press? And then you say there “is a lot of public anger that the Israelis attacked this site.” Really?! “See inside Iranian TV studio hit by Israeli airstrike,” CNN, 6-19-25.
A really surprising story from the NYT and its experts. First, it is not a matter of Iran’s ballistics versus Israel’s interceptors. The IDF air force continues to knock out Iran’s launchers, they only have about 100 left. Second, Israel’s stock of interceptors is not running low. And the number is not infinite, they continue to be produced. There is one wild card, Iran’s specialized ballistic missiles that are cluster bombs and are opening 7 km above ground and are being used by Iran against Israel and its citizens. They began to use these Thursday. Those need more interceptors from Israel. But the bottom line, Israel has more supplies than the Regime has ballistics. See “Will Israel’s Interceptors Outlast Iran’s Missiles? The Answer May Shape the War,” NYT, 6-19-25. Well, maybe I’ll cut the NYT some slack because they wrote this story overnight and things are changing by the hour in the fast win by Israel.
To say I’m surprised, Yes. Two weeks is a long time. 5 minutes is all it takes to hear from the Ayatollah. But extra time leaves no excuse for the Regime to not decide if it will give up its weapons program, and no can say the U.S. didn’t give Iran a chance. “Trump to Decide on Potential Iran Strikes Within Two Weeks,” WSJ, 6-19-25.
Correct. But without a nuclear weapon on the shelf. “Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Poised for More Power,” WSJ, 6-19-25.
“Israel threatens Iran’s top leader after missiles damage hospital and wound more than 200,” Politico, 6-19-25.
“Exclusive: Iran’s Kurdish faction seeks contact with IDF,” Politico, 6-19-25.
“Report: Iran-US envoys hold direct talks as conflict with Israel continues,” i24, 6-19-25.
“Trump Buys Himself Time, and Opens Up Some New Options,” NYT, 6-19-25.
15 Days to a nuke once the Leader says Go. BTW, the fatwa against nuclear weapons doesn’t exist, it has never been seen. “U.S. Spy Agencies Assess Iran Remains Undecided on Building a Bomb,” NYT, 6-19-25.
“In Crisis With Iran, U.S. Military Officials Focus on Strait of Hormuz,” NYT, 6-19-25.