Iran Nation or Cause

Israel has the most to lose.  Let’s go with their assessment.  “The Israeli atomic energy commission says the war set back Iran’s nuclear program by ‘many years.’,” NYT, 6-25-25.  See also “Trump Says U.S. and Iran to Meet; White House Disputes Damage Report,” NYT, 6-25-25.  “The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said in a statement that the American strike on the reinforced Iranian nuclear site at Fordo “destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable.””

“Iran votes to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog,” i24, 6-25-25.

“CIA says Iran’s nuclear program ‘severely damaged’ by U.S. strikes,” NBC, 6-25-25.

“Six things to know about Iran’s supreme leader,” NPR, 6-25-25.

“Corruption on earth” continues as a crime in the Islamic Republic of Iran.  “Iran moves to punish ‘spying’ as it proclaims victory over Israel, US,” Al Jazeera, 6-25-25.

Authoritative ISIS.  “Attacks ‘Effectively Destroyed’ Iran’s Program,” WSJ, 6-25-25.

“As US cities heighten security, Iran’s history of reprisal points to murder-for-hire plots,” AP, 6-24-25.  These hits in various countries have been going on since 1979.

“What to Know About the Cease-Fire Between Israel and Iran,” NYT, 6-24-25.

“Iran breaks ceasefire with missile fire at northern Israel,” JNS, 6-24-25.

“Live Updates: Fears Run High as Iran Weighs Response to U.S. Strikes,” NYT, 6-23-25.  “President Trump doubled down on his claim that three Iranian nuclear sites had been “obliterated” by U.S. bombings. “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images,” he said in a social media post. “Obliteration is an accurate term!” Pentagon officials have characterized the damage to the sites – at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan – as “severe.””

“Trump assembles national security team amid threat of Iran retaliation,” Axios, 6-23-25.  The U.S. national security team per this article meets today at 1 p.m. ET.

“’Credible threat’ of Iranian missile attack on US-run airbase in Qatar, BBC understands,” BBC, 6-23-25.  Al Udeid is the large U.S. base outside Doha, and home to U.S. Centcom headquarters for all Middle East air operations.

Just after 8 p.m in Doha, hardly dark.  Iran is impatient.  Or maybe wants to be on the news.  “Iran Launches Missiles at a U.S. Base in Qatar, Officials Say,” WSJ, 6-23-25.

“Iran launches missiles at U.S. bases in Qatar and Iraq, source confirms to i24NEWS | LIVE BLOG,” i24, 6-23-25.  And “Reports of missile projectiles targeting Bahrain and Kuwait, in addition to earlier reports from Qatar and Iraq.”

We wake up today and realize no more Quds Day parades!  And less pressure for other states in the Middle East to develop nuclear weapons programs.  And a better chance for peace and development in the region.  Watch what Saudi Arabia does now.  And without the pressure of a USSR, an Iraq, Syria, or an Iran using terror to push the Palestinians for their own purposes, we have the opportunity for a better future for them.  Here’s an article from a couple of days ago.  See “A New Middle East Is Unfolding Before Our Eyes,” Time, 6-19-25.

To be fair to those who opposed this decision, I will mention AOC for the first, and maybe only time on this blog about Iran.  But I also mention her comments here because I yesterday said Iran wasn’t following its own constitution regarding succession, and here I need to say (and what the majority believes) that Pres. Trump was clearly within his constitution powers to do what he did yesterday.  “AOC says Trump’s Iran strikes “clearly grounds for impeachment”,” Newsweek, MSN, 6-22-25.  “Ocasio-Cortez ripped the president’s action on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote, “The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.””

“LIVE: Pete Hegseth holds Pentagon briefing after US strikes on Iran nuclear sites,” AP, 6-22-25.

Just words (in Parliament) at present, we’ll see if there is action (from Bandar Abbas).  “Iran reportedly moves to shut Strait of Hormuz after US attacks,” Politico, 6-22-25.  “The Iranian parliament backed a measure to close the critical shipping route in response to U.S. airstrikes on nuclear sites in Iran, state media reported.”  It doesn’t matter, in Iran, what the Parliament calls for.  It is the IRGC and the NSC (and of course the Leader) who make these decisions.  Israel and the U.S. have a number of analysts who are looking at thousands of variables for clues as to the Leader’s decisions over the next days and weeks.

“Rubio says U.S. is ready to meet with Iran after strikes, calls closing Strait of Hormuz “suicidal”,” CBS Face the Nation, 6-22-25.  Sec. of State/NSA Rubio said that as of now Iran does not want to meet.  The U.S. is waiting to hear.

Princeton should have dismissed this Iranian shill years ago, but they continue to support him.  He’s never written anything but pro-Regime articles.  “After US attack, Iran could reconsider its nuclear strategy,” Seyed Hossein Mousavian, Middle East Eye, 6-22-25.  He argues that Iran should leave the NPT (but it wasn’t complying anyway).  Notice the essence of Mousavian’s argument—First, that at the end of the 60 day window that the U.S. withdrew its negotiators so the Iranians could not get the agreement concluded.  This is not what happened, nothing in the news indicates this, and there is no contemporaneous record of such.  Second, notice his complaint that Trump didn’t wait the full two weeks.  But the world saw that Trump said Within two weeks, not After two weeks.  It hurts to get tricked into losing the nuclear weapons program, maybe he thinks Trump was speaking with taarof.  See “Trump to decide on US action in Israel-Iran conflict within two weeks,” BBC, 6-19-25.  Here’s the quote from Pres. Trump—”Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”

Remember how Gaddafi Libya gave up his nuclear weapons program in 2003–by being terrified he was next.  I wonder what the Leader is thinking in his underground bunker now that the U.S. has used 14 GBU-57s?

Classic.  Even CNN fooled.  “Meanwhile, flight-tracking data reviewed by CNN showed multiple US B-2 stealth bombers taking off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on Friday night and heading west. A U.S. defense official clarified that no formal order has been issued to launch any military operation involving the bombers. As of Saturday, the B-2s were flying over the Pacific Ocean and appeared to be enroute to Guam, a key U.S. base in the Western Pacific.”  See “Israel Strikes Iran’s Bandar Abbas, Destroys F-14 Jets As US B-2 Bombers Head To Guam,” News X, 6-22-25.

“Gulf states on high alert after US strikes Iran’s nuclear sites,” Reuters, 6-22-25.  We will see if the Regime wants to survive in its current state or if it wants to risk its future by attacking the U.S. or other states around it.

It looks like we will have some entries here criticizing the Supreme Leader.  First, his hiding in a bunker without communication hamstrung his administration and its response to the war and to possible diplomatic communications, including through Pres. Erdogan’s office in Turkey.  He was incommunicado for many hours, perhaps a day?  See “Scoop: Trump’s backchannel to Iran failed after supreme leader went dark,” Axios, 6-21-25.

“Sheltering in a Bunker, Iran’s Supreme Leader Names Potential Successors,” NYT, 6-21-25.  As already outlined in this blog on June 13, Art. 111 of the Iranian Constitution spells out that the president, the chief justice, and a member of the Guardian Council take the place of the Ayatollah immediately after death, until the formal selection of a new leader by the Assembly of Experts.  But the NYT and the expert they interview do not point this out, or the unconstitutional action by the Supreme Leader.  Instead, the NYT reports Ayatollah Khamenei has “named three senior clerics as candidates to succeed him should he be killed.”  The person would be chosen by the Assembly “from the three names he has provided.”  Not only is this not in the constitution, it  creates a situation of “rules from the dead” and prevents the Assembly from having a clean slate to consider.  Maybe we should ask the Ayatollah who is on the list….  It does not matter that Khamenei is the Vali Faqih, the senior guardian of Shia.  Nowhere does he have power to rule after death, or to select the names.  The first Ayatollah did not do this.  Interestingly, the NYT says “Ayatollah Khamenei’s son Mojtaba, also a cleric and close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, who was rumored to be a front-runner, is not among the candidates, the officials said.”  I believe the Ayatollah is trying to protect his family.  BTW, the Times does report that non-judicial executions begin tomorrow in Iran for anyone suspected of working with the enemy.

The newest Hezbollah chief refused to obey the Supreme Leader.  “Israeli security sources to i24NEWS: Hezbollah chief rebuffed Khamenei’s demand to join war,” i24, 6-21-25.  He didn’t want to die.  And he wanted Hezbollah to fight another day.

“British man arrested in Cyprus suspected of spying and terror offences,” BBC, 6-21-25.

Here it is, the last and most important news of the day.  “U.S. launches major strike on Iranian nuclear sites, Trump declares ‘complete success’,” i24, 6-21-25.  “U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday evening that the United States had carried out a large-scale military strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities, declaring the operation “a complete success.”  The targets included the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites—critical elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.  Fordow Facility: Considered the highest-priority target, it was reportedly hit with six 15-ton bunker-buster bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers.  Natanz and Isfahan Sites: Each was struck by multiple Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. Navy submarines.  “All aircraft are now out of Iranian airspace,” Trump confirmed during a press statement. “A full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow. We have completed a highly successful attack on all three nuclear sites.”  …  Israeli sources told i24NEWS that the U.S. and Israel had coordinated a public show of disagreement in recent days to mislead Tehran and maintain the element of surprise.  …  Iranian authorities acknowledged the strikes. A spokesperson for the Qom Crisis Management Center told state media that “part of the Fordow nuclear site area was attacked by enemy air forces.” The deputy governor of Isfahan also confirmed “intrusions near nuclear facilities,” without elaborating on the extent of the damage.  … Sources cited by CNN say the administration views the strike as a strategic move to revive diplomatic efforts and is not currently planning additional military action. … The strike represents a major escalation in efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and sends a clear message about the willingness of the U.S. and its allies to act militarily if diplomacy fails.”

I believe this is the first communication from Iran after the U.S. bombings.  A tacit acknowledgment of the events.  “Iran says strikes did not cause nuclear contamination,” Politico, 6-21-25.  But it will be veryyyyy interesting to see what the Supreme Leader says in the video his office will release.

“Israel says it killed Iran’s military coordinator with Hamas,” BBC, 6-21-25.  “Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi … told European envoys in Geneva on Friday that Iran would not resume talks over its nuclear programme until Israel’s strikes stopped.”  Uh oh, don’t tell Pres. Trump.  Well, I’m posting this story more than 24 hours after it happened, because I can’t post until something shows up in open sources so we know about it.  But this news, of the FM (speaking for the Leader) refusing talks during the maximum two week window was probably one of the keys to the U.S. knowing that Iran would not negotiate.  And the President heard this on Friday.

“Targeting of Quds Force shows growing breach in Iranian intelligence security,” BBC, 6-21-25.

“You Fund Terror, Then Ask for Sympathy?”, Statement by Israel Ambassador Danny Danon,” UNSC, You Tube, 6-21-25, 14.23 min.  “At the UN Security Council, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon unleashed a devastating response to Iran’s hypocrisy and the world’s indifference. Speaking just days after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Soroka Hospital in Israel, Danon laid out the facts: Iran is actively targeting civilians, building nuclear weapons, and exporting terror across five continents.”

As the old saying goes, “Bless his soul.”  Because FM Abbas Araghchi just doesn’t get it.  The bombs are meant to make Iran talk.  During the past several years and the past two months, when there weren’t bombs, Iran just talked and talked.  Now he wants the bombs to stop.  See “Live Updates: Iran Casts Doubt on Talks While Israel’s Attacks Continue,” NYT, 6-20-25.  “Iran’s foreign minister told a state broadcaster that “there is no room for talking until this aggression stops,” hours before he was to meet with his European counterparts.  This was a day after President Trump said he would put off a decision on whether to join Israel’s attacks for two weeks to give diplomacy a chance.

Yes.  “Could Iran’s missiles carry nuclear warheads? An expert breaks down the threat,” Times of Israel, 6-20-25.  “[P]rior to 2003, Iran had built and tested nearly every component of a nuclear bomb. “Twenty years ago, Iran knew how to build a bomb,” Inbar said. “They built all the components, except for the nuclear core itself — at least that’s what’s known.””

“Israel poised to strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, with or without U.S. support,” i24, 6-20-25.

“Israel Tests Theory That War Can’t Be Won With Air Power Alone,” WSJ, 6-20-25.

“20 Iranian missiles launched in latest barrage, casualty toll at 21 including critically wounded teen | LIVE BLOG,” I24, 6-20-25.

“Israel bombed Iran’s state TV. Why many Iranians cheered,” Financial Review, 6-20-25.  Here’s one reason—““It feels weird saying it, but you need to understand – that TV station is the place that has been broadcasting the forced confessions of political prisoners for years. That is not media, that’s a propaganda machine. The people who work there, we don’t call them journalists, we call them interrogators. You need to know the difference.””

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.

I’m going to start today by reflecting on the changing Middle East, and using a story I posted yesterday and a second one today to make a point.  So, where is the Middle East going?  Toward modernity and trade and law, and agreements like the Abraham Accords, or will it stay in a place where countries’ status is equal just because they are countries, regardless of how they act?  The NYT and those that prefer its take on the world are going to have to decide if they prefer the Israel model or the Iran model of governance.  Yesterday and today there are articles about what the Arabs are saying about this.  As of this morning, the NYT and the Democratic Party broadly are still stuck in a place where Israel and Iran are equated, like having equal seats at the UN General Assembly.  Well, I’d rather live in Israel, and I think most persons would if they have to chose between the two countries.  The Iranian people certainly prefer the Israel model over the ayatollah-led radical Islam revolution, and the Arab states do also.  See “Arabic source to i24NEWS: “Israel’s actions in Iran promote relations with Saudi Arabia,” i24, 6-17-25.  See “In Attacking Iran, Israel Further Alienates Would-Be Arab Allies,” NYT, 6-18-25.

I’m not looking to fight NYT, I have other duties.  And this is a blog about Iran.  But the NYT worldview is distorting the news.  Today’s statement by the NYT, speaking of Ayatollah Khamenei, is too much:  “He has played a key role in positioning Iran as a counterweight to American, Israeli and Saudi influence across the Middle East.”  What?!  That completely ignores history since 1979, and completely presents this as some sort of balancing affair of regional politics.  The U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Israel are not some kind of 900 pound gorillas.  Several U.S. presidents even want to draw down U.S. activities in the Middle East, and pivot toward the Far East.  The problem is Iran, and has been.  NYT, do you remember the Hostage Crisis?  And Beirut?  And Hezbollah?  All the way up to the Hamas attack Oct. 7, 2023.  See “In a defiant address, Iran’s supreme leader rejects Trump’s call to surrender,” NYT, 6-18-25.  BTW, the Supreme Leader is unwilling to give up his nuclear enrichment and accept sanctions relief.  This is absolutely in line with his life decisions, and how this blog has reflected the stories of his policies.  He will not surrender.  That seals his fate.  I don’t think Russia will take him in like they did Assad.

The result of Iran’s decision.  Iran doesn’t want international news reaching its people, so it cut the lines.  This is an indication that Iran really feels threatened.  “Iran enters near-total internet blackout, NetBlocks says,” Iran International, 6-18-25.

“Khamenei rejects Trump’s call for surrender, warns against US intervention,” Iran International, 6-18-25.  It must be galling for him that he has fewer and fewer missiles (only 5-7 ballistics fired against Israel tonight) and drones to use each day, and that his army and navy are almost toothless.  And that the Jewish state’s air force has control of his skies.  And that Fordo’s days are numbered.  It is all coming crashing down.

Many of us are thinking about post-war Iran, with or without the Supreme Leader.  But let’s get it right what is happening, Israel is knocking out/back the nuclear program.  So when we read Foreign Affairs today, released yesterday, and see Robert Pape claiming “Israel has engaged in a protracted air campaign in Iran to achieve something no other country has ever done before: topple a government and eliminate its major military capability using airpower alone. … Israel appears to be falling into the “smart-bomb trap,” in which overconfidence in precision weapons and intelligence not only allows the country’s leaders to believe that they can stop an Iranian nuclear breakout and even topple the regime of the Islamic Republic but also leaves Israel less secure than before. Airpower, no matter how targeted and intense, is not certain to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program in its entirety, nor will it clear a path for regime change in Tehran. In fact, if the historical record is any indication, Israel’s overconfidence in what its technologically advanced weapons can do is likely to harden Iran’s resolve and produce the opposite of its intended results: a more dangerous Iran, now armed with nuclear weapons. Without a ground invasion (highly improbable) or direct U.S. support (which the Trump administration may be wary to provide), Israel’s military successes in Iran and beyond could very well be short-lived.”  Sure, Israel may want Iran to have a change in management.  But this article is proposing a motive that is not exhibited.  See “Israel’s Futile Air War: Precision Strikes Will Not Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program—or Its Government,” Foreign Affairs, 6-17-25.  Pape must certainly know that it is the Iranian people who have to make the decision about how they are governed.  Look what just happened in Lebanon, where the traditional army and citizens were empowered (but there is still work there to do to disarm Iran’s Hezbollah).

Brilliant move by Israel, sending Pres. Herzog out to ask all countries for assistance.  Is this the first time in world history that the interest of all persons have been called on to eliminate a bad actor from developing nuclear weapons?  Will the UN (and because of the recent announcement by the IAEA) take a position?  And think about the antithesis to Israel’s position—Will Iran call on all countries to protect its nuclear weapons program?  “Israeli president calls on the world to help destroy Iran nuclear sites,” NPR, 6-18-25.

“Israeli Air Dominance Means It Is Taking Out Iranian Missiles Before They Launch,” WSJ, 6-18-25.  Israel has now taken out about 2/3 of Iran’s missile launchers.  This leaves about 100 launchers.  BTW, there is such a difference between NYT and WSJ coverage.

They know they will be attacked, that’s why.  “Why Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ Is Missing in Action,” WSJ, 6-18-25.

“Trump Privately Approved of Attack Plans for Iran but Has Withheld Final Order,” WSJ, 6-18-25.

Good article.  “Options for Targeting Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility,” CSIS, 6-18-25.

The targeting of selected Iranian nuclear scientists by Israel over several years was to encourage them to find a new form of employment, such as a college physics professor, but not as someone trying to create nuclear weapons and use them against Israel.  Now we see this playing out again.  “IDF kills Ali Shadmani, newly appointed Iranian Chief of Staff,” i24, 6-17-25.  The IDF’s action continues to box in the Supreme Leader, as the new military chief had been on the job only four days.

This is the first time since the 1973 War that Israel is fighting against another country (not a terror group).  And here the odds are in Israel’s favor.

Wow again.  “The perceived weakening of Iran is creating conditions that could pave the way for Israeli-Saudi normalization. Riyadh appears to view Israeli military pressure on Iran as a strategic opportunity to undermine its main regional rival—while simultaneously holding firm on its demands regarding the Palestinian issue.”  See “Arabic source to i24NEWS: “Israel’s actions in Iran promote relations with Saudi Arabia,” i24, 6-17-25.

A NYT reporter named Ms. Jakes has an article today, “As Israel targets Iran’s nuclear program, it has a secret one of its own,” NYT, 6-17-25.  What is interesting is that she can’t make the case, though it is implied, of moral equivalence between Israel’s and Iran’s nuclear programs.  Israel’s program, if it does include weapons, certainly has never been threatened for use, but only for self-defense.  That is something the Regime cannot claim.

“Despite Close Ties With Iran, Russia Stands Aside as Israel Attacks,” NYT, 6-17-25.

“Iran Is Preparing Missiles for Possible Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases, Officials Say,” NYT, 6-17-25.

“Israel hasn’t hit Iran’s secretive Fordo nuclear facility yet. Here’s why it might,” CBS, 6-17-25.

“IDF official: Iran’s goal was an 8,000-missile arsenal to annihilate Israel,” Israel National News, 6-17-25.  They wanted to swamp Arrow, THAAD, etc.

As we are all noticing, there is little news / helpful information coming out of Iran in the past week, as the Regime finds itself overwhelmed by Israel, and because it is reluctant to admit miscalculation, defeats, strikes, etc. to its own population.  So it is, I hate to say comical, to see this story from the Fars news agency (controlled by the IRGC).  The IRGC doesn’t want to be cut in half like its Hezbollah fighters were.  “Iran orders officials to ditch connected devices,” Politico, 6-17-25.  BTW, I’ve only seen one news story about Pres. Pezeshkian.  He is MIA in the news (but alive).  This is a reminder that the Iranian president has few powers—everything is about the Great Ayatollah/Supreme Leader.

“Iran Is Preparing Missiles for Possible Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases, Officials Say,” NYT, 6-17-25.  There are currently 40,000 U.S. forces in the Middle East.

“US critical networks are prime targets for cyberattacks. They’re preparing for Iran to strike,” Politico, 6-17-25.

News from overnight.  “Trump: ‘sometimes you have to fight until the end,’ as Iran refuses negotiations,” i24, 6-16-25.  “Iran has rejected mediation efforts by Qatar and Oman to broker a ceasefire while Israeli strikes are ongoing.”  And Fordow and Natanz are being attacked.

Wouldn’t it be great if this were the end of the Quds Force?  They’ve killed and threatened so many Iranian dissidents around the world, and the same against persons of other nationality and country leaders.  Thousands.  They have done the bidding of the two Supreme Leaders for decades, and are dangerous, embedded often in embassies.  Hey NYT, this is not just some “powerful Iranian military unit” as your headline says.  This is THE Quds Force, specifically tasked with spreading the Iranian Revolution.  They also oversee Quds Day, the only national holiday in the world pointed at taking Jerusalem by force and wiping Israel away.  Good riddance.  Soleimani was killed by Pres. Trump in 2020, now Israel has killed the next Quds head, Qaani, on the 13th.  “Live Updates: Israel Says It Attacked Headquarters of Powerful Iranian Military Unit,” i24, 6-16-25.  In other news, Iran’s missiles hit the refinery in Haifa, and for another night, Iran hit civilians in several cities across Israel, including Petach Tikva.  I said civilians, that is who Iran is targeting.

“IDF destroys a third of Iran’s missile launchers, establishes air superiority,” i24, 6-16-25.

It will be interesting to see how the Supreme Leader conducts himself at this coming Friday’s Prayers.

This Israeli made me think about the bigger picture; he put it into words quite well.  “Petah Tikva resident Yoram Suki rushed with his family to a shelter after hearing an air raid alert, and emerged after it was over to find his apartment destroyed. Despite losing his home, he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to keep up the attacks on Iran. “It’s totally worth it,” the 60-year-old said. “This is for the sake of our children and grandchildren.””  See “Iran missile attacks on Israel kill 8. Israel warns some Tehran residents to evacuate before strikes,” AP, 6-16-25.  In other words, for over 40 years Iran has been threatening others, but mainly Israel.  Israel and the United States (the Little Satan and the Big Satan)(and don’t forget J.V. Satan Saudi Arabia) have been targeted over and over again.  But the anti-Semitic Regime has especially hated the Jewish State and its citizens.  This man, Mr. Suki, is seeing that if Iran can be put in its place, he and his family can have peace.  And not just Jews in Israel, but the Arabs living there.  Already things are better with Lebanon and Syria.  And Jordan and Egypt have treaties with Israel.  The war with Hamas (and Hezbollah) are because of Iran’s backing.  Getting the genie put back in the bottle in Tehran would be so good for Israel, and everyone else.

“Debris falls in Iranian TV studio during live broadcast as Israel strikes state media,” BBC, 6-16-25.  Iranian State Broadcasting has not accurately reported since the beginning of the conflict, and here is interrupted during a live broadcast with a ceiling explosion.  This quickly brings to mind “Comical Ali,” the Information Minister of Saddam Hussein during the 1991 Gulf War and the daily press briefings in Baghdad in which he made claims wildly different than reality and was rightfully treated as parody.

Wow.  Israeli PM Netanyahu told ABC’s Jon Karl how the cow ate the cabbage.  Here is just part of the explanation of Iran’s history since 1979.  “”We’ve had half a century of conflict spread by this regime that terrorizes everyone in the Middle East; has bombed the Aramco oil fields in Saudi Arabia; is spreading terrorism and subversion and sabotage everywhere,” Netanyahu said. “The ‘forever war’ is what Iran wants, and they’re bringing us to the brink of nuclear war. In fact, what Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression, and we can only do so by standing up to the forces of evil.”  See the full interview at “Netanyahu tells ABC he’s not ruling out taking out Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei,” ABC, 6-16-25.

“Israel-Iran conflict shows no signs of ending as it enters its fourth day,” NBC, 6-16-25.

Ignore the headline, read the story.  There you will read that Iran is not willing yet to give up its nuclear weapons program.  See “Iran offers nuclear concessions if US won’t join attack,” Hayom, 6-16-25.

“Will Iran’s hated regime implode?,” Economist, 6-16-25.  The Economist is correct that “Its default is to defy aggressors, not to capitulate.”  But the nationalism the Regime depended on in times of crisis is now shot.  Literally and figuratively.  The Regime has lost the backing of the people.  The people will not say We have the right to nuclear weapons.  They just want a normal life.

“Public condemnation, private interest: Arab world response to Israel’s Iran strikes – opinion,” JPost, 6-16-25.

This article raises a thought in my mind.  “How Tough Is Iran? A String of Military Losses Raises Question,” NYT, 6-16-25.  Here’s the thought, as reflected in “A Sprawling Israeli Intelligence Effort Underpinned the Iran Strikes,” NYT, 6-13-25.  The IDF and Mossad wouldn’t have the success they are having but for Iranians on the inside turning on their own government.  You can’t achieve this high level of operational success without the real desire by Iranians to see the Regime gone.

“Iran’s Best-Protected Nuclear Site Is Deep Underground,” NYT, 6-16-25.

This is probably SoS/NSA Rubio’s advice to Pres. Trump.  “The U.S. has a unique opportunity to gain a potentially decisive advantage against Russia and China. To seize it, Mr. Trump would strengthen U.S. security immeasurably by allowing Israel to finish the job against Iran, if necessary applying American power to this end as well.”  Read the entire article.  “Israel Hands America an Opportunity in the Mideast,” WSJ, 6-16-25.

“A Battered Iran Signals It Wants to De-Escalate Hostilities With Israel and Negotiate,” WSJ, 6-16-25.