Call Me Back - EMERGENCY EPISODE: AMERICA STRIKES IRAN With Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Host: Dan Senor | Produced by Ark Media

Introduction and Context

In this unprecedented emergency episode of Call Me Back, host Dan Senor welcomes esteemed Israeli journalists and analysts Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal to discuss the historic military strike executed by the United States against Iran's nuclear facilities. The episode dives deep into the ramifications of this action, the coordination between the U.S. and Israel, and the broader geopolitical consequences.

Details of the US Military Operation

Dan Senor sets the stage by recounting President Trump's announcement on June 21 via Truth Social, declaring that the U.S. had launched attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites: Natanz, Esfahan, and the Fordow enrichment plant. This followed day 625 of Israel's "seven-front war."

Nadav Eyal elaborates on the specifics of the operation:

“We know the US used six bunker buster bombs that never been used before. It used B2 strategic bombers. It also shot about 30 cruise missiles from submarines and they hit Isfahan, Natanz and Fordo. These sites have been completely devastated and that Iran doesn't have a nuclear program as a result of these attacks.” (00:32)

The operation involved advanced weaponry, including B2 bombers and cruise missiles, aimed at decimating Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Eyal emphasizes the significance of satellite imagery expected to confirm the extent of the damage.

Israel’s Involvement and Strategic Decisions

The discussion shifts to the collaborative nature of the strike. Eyal highlights the joint effort:

“You see that this was a joint operation of taking out the nuclear program. You see that the coordination was there all along the way that he was thanking Israel for that.” (02:16)

Amit Segal provides insight into Israel's role, suggesting that while Israel's direct involvement in the specific attack might have been limited to intelligence sharing, the groundwork was laid by Israel’s prior operations against Iranian targets:

“We know for sure that they had greenlighted the Israeli attack way before and... it was written on the wall.” (04:24)

Implications for Iran’s Nuclear Program

The conversation delves into the strategic choice not to target the enriched uranium directly. Eyal explains:

“...it's not about enriched uranium... it's about the centrifuges.” (08:16)

By targeting the centrifuges and the infrastructure necessary for uranium enrichment, the operation aims to cripple Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons without causing radioactive contamination from the uranium itself.

Dan Senor seeks clarification on the potential uses of moved enriched uranium:

“Assuming they did move the 400 kg of enriched uranium out of Fordo before this attack, what can they do with it?” (11:04)

Eyal responds by assessing the limitations:

“They can try and arm it... but the enrichment levels are not sufficient for a weapon yet.” (11:13)

This strategic focus underscores the objective to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities while minimizing collateral environmental damage.

Regional Reactions and Saudi Arabia's Position

The impact of the U.S. involvement on regional dynamics is significant. Eyal discusses Saudi Arabia’s initial cautious stance:

“The Saudis took an extremely cautious position on this and they condemned Israel...” (25:50)

However, he anticipates a shift as the Saudi leadership recognizes the U.S.’s commitment to countering Iran:

“I think they're going to be more truthful as to their own positions.” (26:12)

This alignment could lead to stronger cooperation between Gulf states and the U.S., altering the balance of power in the Middle East.

Domestic Political Implications in Israel

The operation's success raises questions about its impact on Israeli politics. Segal addresses whether Prime Minister Netanyahu might call for early elections:

“In Israel, it doesn't really pay to call up an early election because it takes at least 90 days... Netanyahu still wants to hold this coalition together.” (24:06)

The coalition’s stability, bolstered by the operation's perceived success, suggests Netanyahu has little incentive to seek early elections, maintaining political continuity until the next scheduled vote in November 2026.

Economic Impact: Israel’s Stock Market

Contrary to the existential threat posed by the war, Israel's stock market has shown resilience and growth. Segal attributes this to investor confidence in Israel’s strategic position:

“Tel Aviv stock market marked its best week since COVID... the end of the biggest threat to Israelis ever posed.” (19:59)

This economic uptick reflects optimism about Israel’s security and future stability post-operation.

Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode draws to a close, the guests offer their perspectives on the long-term implications of the strike.

Amit Segal envisions this moment as the beginning of the end for the Iranian nuclear threat:

“The end of the biggest threat to Israelis ever posed in the history of the country.” (19:59)

Nadav Eyal echoes this sentiment but cautions against potential prolonged conflict:

“It's the beginning of the end, but we're still not there... only if the regime is at stake will he back down.” (21:23)

The discussion also touches on the lingering issue of hostages in Gaza, emphasizing that military victories alone are insufficient without resolving humanitarian crises:

“We need to get them back... the hostages that are still in Gaza.” (31:10)

Notable Quotes

• Nadav Eyal on the operation’s historic nature:

  “This is really history in the making. This is a moment like no other.” (02:16)

• Amit Segal on the strategic success:

  “Mission accomplished in that respect.” (14:25)

• Sean Hannity (clip):

  “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu... an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.” (29:10)

• Nadav Eyal on regional power shifts:

  “President Trump's historic decision to bomb Iran was essential, globally speaking.” (26:12)

Final Thoughts

The episode encapsulates a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, highlighting the collaboration between the U.S. and Israel in confronting Iran's nuclear ambitions. While celebrating the immediate successes, Nadav Eyal and Amit Segal caution about future uncertainties and the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.

For a deeper understanding of these developments, listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes and subscribe to Call Me Back at arkmedia.org.

Produced and edited by Ilan Benatar | Sound and Video Editing by Martin Huergo and Mariangelis Burgos | Director of Operations: Maya Rakoff | Research: Gabe Silverstein | Music: Yuval Semo