What Iranians and Israelis think about their warring leaders

Summary

Apple News Today: Detailed Summary of "What Iranians and Israelis Think About Their Warring Leaders"

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Shamita Basu
Duration: Approximately 14 minutes and 46 seconds

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1. Middle East Conflict: Iranian and Israeli Public Sentiment

The episode opens with an in-depth analysis of the ongoing missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, highlighting the escalating tensions and their impact on civilian populations.

Israeli Military Advances:

• Timestamp [00:15]: Israel claims full aerial control above Tehran, presenting a confident stance on its military operations.
• Timestamp [00:53]: Iranian state media broadcasts the intensifying missile attacks, vividly showing the country's broadened assault against Israeli targets.

Iranian Public Opinion:

• Timestamp [01:25]: Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, describes the initial Iranian public reaction as one of "delight" over the targeting of oppressive figures.
• Timestamp [01:56]: This sentiment shifts to "palpable fear" as the strikes begin affecting civilian areas. Pelham notes, "A large number of people have left the cities, they're moving into the countryside...People are starting to get quite scared."

Unified Iranian Sentiment Amid Fear:

• Timestamp [02:22]: An unnamed Iranian student from Tehran University explains, "Everyone, they say that Iran should strike harder...It is rallying behind the flag. When your house is under attack, you rally behind whoever is in charge."

Israeli Public Support:

• Timestamp [03:21]: A recent poll indicates that up to 70% of Israelis support the strikes on Iran, particularly after missiles struck Rehoboth.
• Timestamp [03:34]: An unnamed Israeli resident asserts strong support for the campaign, stating, "Nuclear Iran is a death threat to us...We love the Iranian people. It's the regime that is threatening us."

Prime Minister Netanyahu's Role:

• Timestamp [04:22]: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though a divisive figure domestically, has secured broad support in parliament for the current military operations.

U.S. Involvement:

• Timestamp [04:31]: President Trump departs the G7 summit early to address the crisis but resists signing a de-escalation statement, indicating a complex U.S. position on the conflict.

2. Domestic Crisis: Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting

Transitioning from international tensions, the podcast delves into a tragic event in Minnesota involving a police sergeant's hunch that disrupted a gunman's plans.

Incident Details:

• Timestamp [04:54]: A gunman, disguised convincingly as a police officer, targeted multiple lawmakers, resulting in the deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
• Timestamp [05:21]: Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson describes the suspect's actions, highlighting the use of deception and force during the attack.

Manhunt and Suspect's Motives:

• Timestamp [07:12]: The suspect's car revealed plans to target over 45 elected officials, primarily Democrats, with connections to abortion rights and Planned Parenthood.
• Timestamp [07:45]: Democratic Representative Kelly Morrison emphasizes the gravity of the attack, stating, "This is an attack on the American people."

Legal Proceedings:

• Timestamp [07:37]: The suspect faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and attempted murder, with potential for the death penalty. The next federal court hearing is scheduled for June 27th.

3. Congressional Stock Trading Controversy

The discussion shifts to the resurgence of scrutiny over stock trading activities by U.S. lawmakers following President Trump's tariff announcements.

Stock Trading Spike:

• Timestamp [08:19]: The Wall Street Journal reports that over 700 stock trades were conducted by House members and their families between April 2 and April 8, coinciding with Trump's tariff announcements.

Lawmakers Respond:

• Timestamp [09:20]: California Democrat Ro Khanna and Pennsylvania Republican Rob Resnahan made significant trades during this period and have advocated for banning such activities to prevent conflicts of interest.
• Timestamp [10:15]: Representatives argue that existing regulations are insufficient, with penalties for non-compliance being minimal.

Potential Solutions and Public Trust:

• Timestamp [12:00]: Proposals include banning individual stock trades for lawmakers and moving assets into mutual funds or blind trusts to mitigate insider trading risks.
• Timestamp [11:09]: Katie Stetch Ferek of The Wall Street Journal highlights the difficulty in prosecuting insider trading cases among legislators, complicating enforcement efforts.

Current Legislative Stance:

• Timestamp [12:23]: House Speaker Mike Johnson supports banning individual stock trading, though no substantial measures have been enacted yet.

4. Other Notable News Stories

The podcast also briefly covers additional global and cultural stories:

Gaza Conflict:

• Timestamp [12:25]: At least 50 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire, with significant casualties near U.S.-backed aid distribution sites. The UN Human Rights Council criticizes Israel's "horrifying, unconscionable" warfare methods.

Louvre Workers Strike:

• Timestamp [12:49]: The Louvre Museum in Paris closes due to a spontaneous strike by workers demanding better working conditions, citing overwhelming tourist numbers and understaffing.

Pitbull's Fashion-Inspired Tour:

• Timestamp [13:59]: Miami rapper Pitbull engages fans worldwide in a unique fashion phenomenon, encouraging concert-goers to dress like him with bald caps, suits, and sunglasses, enhancing the interactive experience of his performances.

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Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive overview of significant geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, reflecting the shifting public sentiments in both countries amidst ongoing conflicts. Domestically, the United States grapples with both tragic acts of violence against lawmakers and ethical concerns surrounding Congressional stock trades. Additionally, global cultural and social issues are briefly touched upon, offering listeners a well-rounded news briefing.

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Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Iranian Student [02:26]: "When your house is under attack, you rally behind whoever is in charge."
• Unnamed Israeli Resident [03:34]: "Nuclear Iran is a death threat to us...We love the Iranian people. It's the regime that is threatening us."
• Representative Kelly Morrison [07:45]: "This is an attack on the American people."
• Joseph Thompson [06:00]: "When Belter lowered his flashlight, they realized that he was not a police officer."

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For More Information:

Listeners can access detailed reports and follow-up stories through the Apple News app, including exclusive articles on President Trump's mass deportation campaign and other significant global events.

Transcript

[Gideon Reznick]

Good morning. It's Tuesday, June 17th. I am Gideon Reznick in for Shamita Basu. This is Apple News today. On today's show, how a police sergeant's.

[Shamita Basu]

Hunch threw off the Minnesota suspect's plan.

[Gideon Reznick]

To kill more lawmakers. After Trump's tariff announcement, members of Congress went on a stock trading spree. And the Louvre is so popular that workers there are on strike. But first to the Middle east, where waves of missiles continue to fly between Iran and Israel. Yesterday, Israel presented a confident picture of its operation as the military claimed it had achieved full aerial control above Tehran. In Iran, we witnessed dramatic scenes and a broadening of the assault quite literally played out on TV as state media.

[Shamita Basu]

Was interrupted at one point by bombings.

[Gideon Reznick]

Today we're going to spend some time.

[Shamita Basu]

Looking at how the citizens on the.

[Gideon Reznick]

Ground watching rockets fly above them feel and explore how Iranians and Israelis are reacting to their leaders actions. Iran's repressive regime means it can be difficult to get an authentic impression of popular opinion. But reporters covering the country suggest a mix of anxiety and anger toward both Iranian and Israeli leadership, as the Middle.

[Shamita Basu]

East correspondent Nicholas Pelham explained for the Economist.

[Nicholas Pelham]

And the knee jerk reaction you heard from many Iranians after the attacks was almost one of delight that some of the people that had been oppressing them had been taken out.

[Gideon Reznick]

And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged that sentiment, urging Iranians to, quote, stand up and let your voices be heard against the regime. But as the strikes broaden to civilian areas, Pelham reported for the Economist that.

[Shamita Basu]

There'S a feeling that the country itself.

[Gideon Reznick]

Not just the leadership, is under attack.

[Shamita Basu]

And that has changed the mood.

[Nicholas Pelham]

That sort of initial dissent and mockery and sort of scorn for the regime is now turning to palpable fear. A large number of people have left the cities, they're moving into the countryside. Petrol is being rationed. So it's becoming harder to get out. And so people are starting to get quite scared.

[Gideon Reznick]

The BBC is banned from Iran, but has talked to people inside the country. One student at Tehran University told them.

[Shamita Basu]

That even among his liberal friends, fear.

[Gideon Reznick]

Has brought unity, not rebellion.

[Unnamed Iranian Student]

The minute that Israel attacked Iran in this way, everyone, they say that Iran should strike harder. This is unacceptable. Our homes have been attacked and you know, it is rallying behind the flag. And I think it's quite understandable when your house is under attack, when your being is under attack, you rally behind whoever is in charge.

[Gideon Reznick]

Tehran is far more exposed than its neighbors. Israel has dismantled most air defenses and.

[Shamita Basu]

The government tends not to issue warnings for imminent attacks.

[Gideon Reznick]

CNN reports that people have sought safety in mosques in the metro, now open around the clock for shelter, and that.

[Shamita Basu]

The exit roads are reportedly gridlocked as people flee to the more rural north.

[Gideon Reznick]

Israel is sending warning messages to target areas, but Iranian authorities have described this as psychological warfare and urged the population not to panic. In Israel, it's easier to get a sense of public opinion.

[Shamita Basu]

A poll released on Monday suggested as many as 70% supported the strikes on Iran and only 16% opposed. After missiles hit the city of Rehoboth.

[Gideon Reznick]

One resident told the BBC they were.

[Shamita Basu]

Fully behind the campaign.

[Unnamed Israeli Resident]

It's choosing between life and death. Nuclear Iran is a death threat to us. We didn't start this conflict. We have every appreciation for the Iranian people. We love the Iranian people. It's the regime that is threatening us, not just themselves with the nuclear if they have God forbid, but all the proxies here, Hezbollah and Hamas. We are an island surrounded. These Shiite countries are outset by to destroy Israel.

[Gideon Reznick]

Npr reported that residents of Bat yam, which saw 10 people killed, were chanting Netanyahu's name that they had been waiting for this war for 30 years and are prepared.

[Shamita Basu]

Netanyahu certainly remains a divisive figure within.

[Gideon Reznick]

The country, but his critics in parliament.

[Shamita Basu]

Have rallied behind him on this operation, at least in these opening stages.

[Gideon Reznick]

As for the United States, President Trump.

[Shamita Basu]

Departed the G7 summit early in part to deal with the crisis, though he is reportedly also declining to sign a statement being prepared by other leaders calling for de escalation. Now to Minnesota, where authorities have shared.

[Gideon Reznick]

More details about a gunman's terrifying shooting.

[Shamita Basu]

Spree that killed Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and wounded.

[Gideon Reznick]

State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

[Shamita Basu]

Yesterday, prosecutors said the suspect had planned a much wider assault, visiting at least two other politicians homes.

[Gideon Reznick]

I should warn you that this story.

[Shamita Basu]

Involves descriptions of violence.

[Gideon Reznick]

Police say the suspect carried out his.

[Shamita Basu]

Attacks convincingly, dressed as a police officer.

[Gideon Reznick]

With a Taser, fake uniform and badge and black body armor.

[Shamita Basu]

He was also wearing a realistic silicon.

[Gideon Reznick]

Mask and they say he outfitted his SUV with emergency lights and a fake police license plate. Experts told the Minnesota Star Tribune that purchasing police equipment is largely legal and.

[Shamita Basu]

It'S also relatively easy for civilians to do.

[Gideon Reznick]

And in Minnesota, impersonating a police officer.

[Shamita Basu]

Is only a misdemeanor for first time offenders. Acting U.S. attorney Joseph Thompson said based.

[Gideon Reznick]

On security footage, the suspect used his disguise to enter the Hoffman's home, knocking on their front door and declaring himself.

[Shamita Basu]

A police officer who needed to be let in.

[Joseph Thompson]

When they opened the door, Belter shined the flashlight in their faces and said there had been a shooting reported in the house. When Belter lowered his flashlight, they realized that he was not a police officer. They shouted out, you're not a cop. You're not a police officer. Belter then announced, this is a robbery and forced himself into their home. When Senator Hoffman attempted to push Belter out and stop him from entering his home, Belter shot him repeatedly. Belter then shot Ms. Hoffman repeatedly.

[Shamita Basu]

The Hoffmans are recovering from their injuries.

[Gideon Reznick]

After hearing about the shooting at the Hoffman's home. The Star Tribune reports that a police sergeant, acting on a hunch, ordered a couple of officers to go check on.

[Shamita Basu]

Hortman, who lived nearby.

[Gideon Reznick]

When they arrived, Thompson says officers found the suspect there.

[Joseph Thompson]

When Belter saw the officers get out of the car, he drew his weapon and began firing. He rushed into the house through the front door, firing into it.

[Gideon Reznick]

Authorities say the suspect fled after killing.

[Shamita Basu]

Hortman and her husband, leading to a 43 hour manhunt.

[Gideon Reznick]

The encounter at the Hortman residence is.

[Shamita Basu]

What clued authorities into the gunman's larger plan.

[Gideon Reznick]

Here's Thompson again.

[Joseph Thompson]

They later searched Belter's car where they found five more firearms, including assault style rifles and a large quantity of ammunition. Belter also had in his car notebooks containing a list of more than 45 Minnesota State and federal elected officials, including Representative Portman. They were all Democrats.

[Gideon Reznick]

The list detailed civic leaders, abortion rights advocates and Planned Parenthood centers. Democratic Representative Kelly Morrison of Minnesota was.

[Shamita Basu]

Told that she was one of those officials named. She spoke to MSNBC yesterday.

[Kelly Morrison]

You know, I spent the weekend holed up in my basement with law enforcement outside my home. And I say that only because I want people to know that this is a watershed moment in the history of our country. I'm not afraid of these cowards. But I think it's important to remember that this is not just an attack on legislators. This is an attack on the American people.

[Shamita Basu]

Hortman's home was not the only place.

[Gideon Reznick]

Police encountered the suspect. Officials say he went to the homes.

[Shamita Basu]

Of at least two other elected state officials besides Hortman and Hoffman. In one instance, at the home of.

[Gideon Reznick]

State Senator Ann Rest, a police officer conducting a wellness check saw the suspect and tried to speak with him, thinking that he was a fellow officer.

[Shamita Basu]

He reportedly ignored her and fled before other officers arrived on the scene.

[Gideon Reznick]

In the other case, the suspect went to a lawmaker's home but left because they weren't home state Prosecutors have charged the suspect with two counts of second degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Federal officials have charged him with stalking and murder, among other charges, which could allow for the death penalty. He did not enter a plea yesterday, and the next hearing in Federal Court is June 27th. Let's turn now to Congress, where a controversial practice, lawmakers trading stocks, is back in the spotlight. According to reporting from the Wall Street Journal, House members raced to reshape their.

[Shamita Basu]

Personal portfolios as President Trump rolled out.

[Gideon Reznick]

Widespread tariffs in April that sent the markets reeling. Dozens of House lawmakers and their families.

[Shamita Basu]

Made over 700 stock trades between Trump's.

[Gideon Reznick]

Tariff announcement on April 2 and April 8.

[Shamita Basu]

The day before he paused many of those tariffs.

[Katie Stetch Ferek]

They both bought and sold a lot of stocks that week, so it was hard to tell how their portfolios fared overall.

[Gideon Reznick]

That's Journal reporter Katie Stetch Ferek.

[Katie Stetch Ferek]

But there were some lawmakers who stood.

[Gideon Reznick]

Out with their purchases, like California Democrat Ro Khanna and Pennsylvania Republican Rob Resnahan.

[Shamita Basu]

They and their families made the most.

[Gideon Reznick]

Trades during this period, and both lawmakers.

[Shamita Basu]

Have called for a ban on this activity.

[Katie Stetch Ferek]

Both of them made it very clear that these were trades made by an outside financial investor, and both of them, especially Khan, have taken great pains that they see to try to minimize the appearance of a conflict of interest related to this.

[Shamita Basu]

A spokesperson for Bresnahan also added that he was in the process of moving investments into a blind trust.

[Gideon Reznick]

Another lawmaker who stood out in the.

[Shamita Basu]

Analysis was Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene.

[Gideon Reznick]

She bought at least $28,000 in stock of well known companies like FedEx and.

[Shamita Basu]

Amazon just before Trump paused some of the tariffs. She said her trades are managed by.

[Gideon Reznick]

An outside financial advisor and that they.

[Shamita Basu]

Were reported with full transparency. Sech. Ferrick says that her purchases have done.

[Gideon Reznick]

Really well since now there are some rules around how lawmakers can trade stock. Members are not allowed to trade on.

[Shamita Basu]

Insider information and they must publicly disclose investments.

[Gideon Reznick]

But experts told NPR the current enforcement.

[Shamita Basu]

Mechanisms amount to little more than a.

[Gideon Reznick]

Slap on the wrist, a $200 penalty.

[Shamita Basu]

If lawmakers don't report trades by a required deadline.

[Gideon Reznick]

And Setchferrick explains there are inherent risks.

[Shamita Basu]

For possible insider trading in the way.

[Gideon Reznick]

Members go about their jobs, just knowing.

[Katie Stetch Ferek]

What'S coming down the pipeline in terms of hearings or CEOs that will come before Congress. Everyone here pretty much agrees that they have access to insider trading. It's just a matter of what they do with that information.

[Gideon Reznick]

There are concerns about potential conflicts of interest as well that a lawmaker might.

[Shamita Basu]

Be influenced to advocate for or against.

[Gideon Reznick]

Legislation that could impact the industries and companies they hold investments in, all of which impacts public perception and trust in Washington.

[Katie Stetch Ferek]

And honestly, these cases, one thing that ethics groups point out, these cases are incredibly hard to try and to successfully prosecute. That's been part of the issue.

[Gideon Reznick]

The Journal's analysis did not uncover any wrongdoing by lawmakers in April, but Szechferrick says that the scope of the trading.

[Shamita Basu]

Has reinvigorated conversations about regulations.

[Katie Stetch Ferek]

So right now there are members on both sides of the aisle, quite frankly, that feel like members should not be allowed to trade individual stocks and that there should be new rules that force lawmakers to sell off individual stocks and move all of their assets into a mutual fund. That's that's one proposal. Other folks have said, hey, hand all this over to a blind trust where you can't see what's in that portfolio and someone can actively trade it.

[Gideon Reznick]

House Speaker Mike Johnson said recently he.

[Shamita Basu]

Would support proposals that would ban individual.

[Gideon Reznick]

Stock trading, though nothing substantive has appeared on the House floor yet. Before we let you go, a few other stories we're following. First to Gaza, where local health officials say at least 50 Palestinians were killed.

[Shamita Basu]

By Israeli fire yesterday.

[Gideon Reznick]

With nearly half the casualties taking place near the U. S backed aid distribution sites, shootings surrounding these centers have become a near daily occurrence. Israeli military did not immediately comment, but.

[Shamita Basu]

Have in the past said occasional shootings were fired as warnings and blamed militants for provoking the violence. Independent media cannot gain access to verify the claims. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council on.

[Gideon Reznick]

Monday, the human rights chief Volker Turk.

[Shamita Basu]

Said that Israel's means and methods of.

[Gideon Reznick]

Warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering.

[Shamita Basu]

Now to France, where the world's most popular museum has been forced to close.

[Gideon Reznick]

This week, workers at the Louvre announced.

[Shamita Basu]

A spontaneous strike during a routine meeting, and they say the museum's popularity is a big reason why they're demanding better working conditions.

[Gideon Reznick]

Basically, so many people want to see.

[Shamita Basu]

The Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo.

[Gideon Reznick]

And other iconic pieces of art that workers say they simply can't keep up.

[Shamita Basu]

They say they're too understaffed, and one.

[Gideon Reznick]

Union called the conditions untenable. The Louvre is one of many global attractions dealing with over tourism, and protests.

[Shamita Basu]

Are currently ongoing in Spain and Italy.

[Gideon Reznick]

And finally to a worldwide fashion phenomenon.

[Shamita Basu]

Inspired by who else but Mr. Worldwide himself.

[Gideon Reznick]

Pitbull, the Miami rapper is on tour.

[Shamita Basu]

Right now, and fans across the world.

[Gideon Reznick]

Largely women, have decided, why just listen to Pitbull when you can also be Pitbull. That's right. Thousands of people are showing up to his concerts in bald caps, suits and sunglasses. His signature look. And he's loving it. By the way. He told the BBC it's priceless to look out into the crowd and see thousands of lookalikes. And he promises that this is not some marketing ploy by his team, but they are embracing it.

[Shamita Basu]

Selling a Mr. 305 kit.

[Gideon Reznick]

That's his nickname based on Miami's area code, complete with a bald cap and bow tie. But for the fans, if everyone is dressed as Pitbull, good luck finding each.

[Shamita Basu]

Other at the arena.

[Gideon Reznick]

You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening to the news app right now, we have a narrated article Coming up next. Reporters with Time magazine went inside President Trump's mass deportation campaign. If you're listening in the podcast app, you can follow Apple News Narrated to find that story. And I'll be back with the news tomorrow.