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What's Happened So Far
On June 13, 2025, Israel began "Operation Rising Lion" sending 200 fighter jets into Iran and dropping over 330 different munitions on more than 100 targets including Iranian nuclear facilities, scientists and senior military commanders.
Later that day, Iran responded by firing dozens of ballistic missiles into Israel, some of which penetrated Israel's Iron Dome.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the airstrikes are "a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival."
An IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) spokesman said the reasons and justification for Israel's attack consist of three components:
- Israel's belief, based on new intelligence, that Iran is "racing towards a nuclear bomb" and that "senior nuclear scientists in Iran secretly conducted the experiments required to build nuclear weapons"
- Iran has thousands of ballistic missiles, it plans to increase it's number of missiles, and that this "constitutes an existential threat" to Israel
- Iran "continues to finance, arm, and operate its proxies throughout the Middle East against the State of Israel"
Source:
Hinz, Fabian. (June 18, 2025). "Israel's attack and the limits of Iran's missile strategy". The International Institute for Strategic Studies. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
Brennan, Margaret; LaPorta, James; Victoria Gazis, Olivia; Jacobs, Jennifer; Watson, Eleanor. (June 13, 2025). "Israel launches strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and other targets; Iran launches retaliatory drone strike". CBS News. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
Walsh, Joe; Ott, Haley; Reals, Tucker; Breen, Kerry. (June 14, 2025). "Iran launches missiles at Israel, and some hit Tel Aviv, as Israel attacks Iranian nuclear sites and commanders". CBS News. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
Over the past 5 days the attacks between Israel and Iran have continued.
On June 14, 2025, Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!
On June 15, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued an ALDAC (All Diplomatic and Consular Posts) directive to all of its embassies and consular posts to, "at their discretion," notify their host governments that the United States "is not involved in Israel's unilateral action against targets in Iran and did not provide tanker support."
Source:
Victoria Gazis, Olivia. (June 15, 2025). "State Department cable instructs embassies worldwide to relay U.S. is 'not involved' in 'unilateral' Israeli strikes on Iran". CBS News. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
On June 16, 2025, Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Iran should have signed the "deal" I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!
On June 17, 2025, Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!
Trump also posted the following:
We know exactly where the so-called "Supreme Leader" is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
On June 18, 2025, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Russia has advised the U.S. against direct involvement in the conflict and that a U.S. attack on Iran would "radically destabilize the entire situation." The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:
Israel's continued, intensive attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran are unlawful under international law, pose unacceptable threats to international security, and drive the world closer to a nuclear catastrophe – the consequences of which will be felt globally, including in Israel itself.
Iranian Permanent Representative to the U.N. Amir Saeid Iravani called for an immediate emergency session of the United Nations Security Council request to the Security Council, asking members to condemn Israel's actions. Iravani also said:
The Israeli regime, in full coordination with the United States, launched a deliberate, premeditated, and large-scale act of aggression, effectively waging war against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The situation has dangerously escalated due to mounting and undeniable evidence of direct United States involvement in this unlawful campaign of aggressive war against Iran.
Source:
Jeyaretnam, Miranda. (June 19, 2025). "As Trump Considers Striking Iran, Russia Warns World Is 'Millimeters' Away From Nuclear Catastrophe". Time. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
Crisp, Elizabeth. (June 18, 2025). "Russia tells Israel to halt Iran strikes, warning of 'nuclear catastrophe'". The Hill. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
O'Connor, Tom. (June 19, 2025). "Iran Calls on UN To Halt Israel's Attacks and Stop Trump From Joining War". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
On June 19, 2025, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt read a statement from Trump which says:
Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks.
Source:
Samuels, Brett. (June 19, 2025). "Leavitt: Trump to decide on Iran action in next 2 weeks". The Hill. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
Aug 1, 2025 Update
Iran Issues Update on Nuclear Enrichment | Newsweek
Jul 29, 2025 Update
Iran Reacts to Trump's 'Stupid' Comment | Newsweek
Jul 28, 2025 Update
Trump warns US could bomb Iran nuclear sites again if they restart | Reuters
Jul 24, 2025 Update
Iran says it's ready for nuclear talks with Washington but only if the U.S. rebuilds trust | PBS
Jul 22, 2025 Update
Donald Trump Issues New Warning to Iran, Threatens To Attack Again | Newsweek
Jul 20, 2025 Update
Furious Trump rages over Iran nuclear sites after new US intel | Daily Express U.S.
Donald Trump's 41-word threat to Iran as tensions escalate over nuclear fears | Daily Express U.S.
Jul 17, 2025 Update
Jul 15, 2025 Update
Iran's President Gives Major Update on Nuclear Talks | Newsweek
Iran Seeks Backing from China and Russia After U.S. Airstrikes | Newsweek
Jul 10, 2025 Update
Iran Fatwa Fundraiser to Kill Donald Trump Raises Over $40 Million | Newsweek
Jul 7, 2025 Update
Iran Issues Nuclear Weapons Update After US Bombing | Newsweek
Jun 21, 2025 Update
The United States dropped bombs on uranium enrichment sites in Iran, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!Thank you for your attention to this.
After the attack, Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz - a decision that needs approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council and its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before implementation.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, said that Donald Trump "has pushed the US into another war" and that countries are "ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads."
Source:
Gambell, Jon; Amari, Farnoush; Anna, Cara; Rising, David; Madhani, Aamer. (June 22, 2025). "The US inserts itself into Israel's war against Iran and claims 'severe damage' at nuclear sites". Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
Hall, Colby. (June 21, 2025). "Trump Announces US Bombing of Iran Nuke Facilities". Mediaite. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
Aitken, Peter. (June 22, 2025). "Iran's Parliament Votes to Close Strait of Hormuz After US Attacks". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
Lemon, Jason. (June 22, 2025). "Putin Ally Says Countries Now Ready to Supply Iran With Nuclear Weapons". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
Trump says US hits 3 Iranian nuclear sites, plunging America into conflict | ABC News
Trump claims US 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear sites as Tehran warns of consequences | CNN
Video of Bernie Sanders Reacting to Trump's Iran Strike Live Goes Viral | Newsweek
Trump also delivered a short address from the White House:
Thank you very much. A short time ago, the US military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror.
Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. For 40 years, Iran has been saying, "Death to America, death to Israel." They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs.
That was their specialty. We lost over 1,000 people, and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate. In particular, so many were killed by their General, Qassem Soleimani. I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue.
I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before. And we've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.
Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that's so. I also want to congratulate the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan "Razin" Caine, spectacular general, and all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack. With all of that being said, this cannot continue.
There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all by far and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.
Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There's no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight; not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago. Tomorrow, General Caine, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8:00 AM at the Pentagon.
And I wanna just thank everybody, and in particular, God. I wanna just say we love you, God. And we love our great military; protect them.
God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel, and God bless America. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Source:
(June 21, 2025). "Remarks: Donald Trump Addresses the Nation After Iran Air Strikes - June 21, 2025". Roll Call. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
Jun 23, 2025 Update
Donald Trump announced a total ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He posted the following on Truth Social:
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED! Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL. On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, "THE 12 DAY WAR." This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn't, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!
DONALD J. TRUMP,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Source:
Moore, Jack. (June 23, 2025). "Israel and Iran agree to ceasefire to bring end to '12 DAY WAR,' Trump says". ABC News. Retrieved 2025-06-24.
Jun 24, 2025 Update
Trump on Israel, Iran continuing fight: 'They don't know what the f‑‑‑ they're doing' | The Hill
Jun 25, 2025 Update
In response to media reports by CNN and The New York Times Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
We just caught the Failing New York Times, working with Fake News CNN, cheating again! They tried to demean the great work our B-2 pilots did, and they were wrong in doing so. These reporters are just BAD AND SICK PEOPLE. You would think they would be proud of the great success we had, instead of trying to always make our Country look bad. TOTAL OBLITERATION!
Source:
Schorr, Isaac. (June 25, 2025). "'BAD AND SICK PEOPLE': Trump Goes OFF on CNN and The New York Times for 'Cheating Again!'". Mediaite. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
Jun 26, 2025 Update
Explainer: Khamenei's video address quells speculation about his public absence | BBC
Jun 27, 2025 Update
In response to yesterday's televised by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump posted the following on Truth Social:
Why would the so-called "Supreme Leader," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of the war torn Country of Iran, say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel, when he knows his statement is a lie, it is not so. As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie. His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life. I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, "THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!" In fact, in the final act of the War, I demanded that Israel bring back a very large group of planes, which were heading directly to Tehran, looking for a big day, perhaps the final knockout! Tremendous damage would have ensued, and many Iranians would have been killed. It was going to be the biggest attack of the War, by far. During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery - The sanctions are BITING! But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more. Iran has to get back into the World Order flow, or things will only get worse for them. They are always so angry, hostile, and unhappy, and look at what it has gotten them - A burned out, blown up Country, with no future, a decimated Military, a horrible Economy, and DEATH all around them. They have no hope, and it will only get worse! I wish the leadership of Iran would realize that you often get more with HONEY than you do with VINEGAR. PEACE!!!
Source:
Schneid, Rebecca. (June 28, 2025). "Trump Issues Blistering Response After Iran's Supreme Leader Threatens U.S., as All Sides Claim Victory in Conflict". Time. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
Jun 28, 2025 Update
Trump Should Have Never Ditched the Iran Nuclear Deal | Time
Commentary:
Let's not forget that Donald Trump is the one who, on May 8, 2018 withdrew the United States from the 2015 JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) agreement, also known as the "Iran Nuclear Deal", between China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, the European Union, and Iran.
Read more about Trump's decision to withdraw from the JCPOA here.
In January of 2020, Iran said that it will no longer abide by any of the restrictions imposed by the 2015 JCPOA.
Read more about the JCPOA here.
Trump's decision to withdraw from the JCPOA is undoubtedly one of the reasons the conflict between Israel and Iran is happening today.
No, the JCPOA agreement was not perfect, but at the very least it showed "good faith" on the part of all of the countries who signed it. By withdrawing, Trump lost any trust with Iran that might have been gained through the lengthy negotiations that led to the agreement (which was signed during the Obama administration).
Trump and his administration have been trying to come to a new agreement with Iran for several months, but with no results. Surely, Trump's adamant, "all or nothing" attitude (he called the JCPOA "defective at its core") and his withdrawal from the JCPOA are two of the reasons little progress has been made.
All or nothing is not a smart or viable foreign policy strategy.
We have Iran seeking support from the U.N. Security Council.
We have Russia warning of further U.S. involvement.
We have Trump saying that "WE" know exactly where Iran's leader is hiding, and that "WE" are not going to kill him for now. Statements like this make it sound like the United States is already involved in the conflict. How do you think the Iranian government interprets statements like this?
The biggest question to me is how will Trump, or more specifically, how will his ego respond? Trump has tried to portray himself as a world peace maker, even going so far as to say he "deserves" the Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump has failed miserably at his attempts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, despite having said repeatedly during his 2024 presidential campaign that he would end it in 24 hours.
And let's not forget the 20-year strategic partnership recently signed by Russia and Iran. Although that agreement does not include a mutual defense clause, it's an indication of the close ties between Russia and Iran. If the United States were to attack Iran, it's hard to say how Russia might respond.
The United States needs to make every effort to stay out of the conflict between Israel and Iran. U.S. involvement greatly increases the risk of a greater war between super powers.