Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

Episode: Inside the Attack on Iran - with Nadav Eyal
Host: Dan Senor
Producer: Ark Media
Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Call Me Back," hosted by Dan Senor, the focus centers on the unprecedented and strategic military operation launched by Israel against Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Joining Senor is Nadav Eyal, a senior analyst at Yedioth Ahronot and a seasoned commentator on Israeli security matters. Together, they dissect the intricacies, motivations, and far-reaching implications of what Israel has termed "Operation Rising Lion."

Context of the Attack

The episode opens with Nadav Eyal emphasizing the gravity of the situation following significant intelligence indicating Iran's escalating nuclear ambitions. Eyal asserts that the operation is not just another military strike but a comprehensive declaration of war against a nation perceived as an existential threat to Israel.

“This operation is so wide scale, so ambitious that it's actually a declaration of war.”
— Nadav Eyal [05:30]

Eyal draws parallels between the current operation and Israel's historical Six-Day War, underscoring the strategic significance and potential long-term consequences of the attack.

Key Developments Leading to the Operation

Eyal outlines the critical developments over the past year that culminated in the decision to strike. Beginning in early 2024, Israeli intelligence identified alarming advancements in Iran's nuclear program, particularly efforts to acquire weapon-grade uranium and the necessary components for assembling nuclear warheads.

“The weapons group is the label that you use when you actually assemble a nuclear weapon.”
— Nadav Eyal [08:22]

He highlights that Iran's increased enrichment activities and procurement of dual-use materials signaled a tangible shift towards weaponization, leaving Israel with little choice but to act decisively.

Strategic Planning and Preparation

Delving into the meticulous planning behind the operation, Eyal explains that Israel had been preparing for such an eventuality for approximately two years. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chiefs of Staff spearheaded the development of a comprehensive war plan targeting not only nuclear facilities but also key military infrastructure and leadership within Iran.

“This attack has been planned for about two years by the IDF Chiefs of Staff. It's a complex attack and we have definitely not seen the end of it.”
— Nadav Eyal [03:31]

Eyal credits the collaboration between various branches of the Israeli military and intelligence communities, emphasizing the role of innovative strategies, such as establishing drone bases within Iran to facilitate uninterrupted operations.

“Maybe you can have small bases there of drones, maybe you can have other installations that would be automated and you somehow manage to import them secretly into Iran.”
— Nadav Eyal [11:12]

Execution of the Operation

The execution phase saw the Israeli Air Force conducting simultaneous strikes on multiple Iranian targets, including the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities. Eyal notes the unprecedented precision and coordination, which resulted in the neutralization of high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists.

“The entire chiefs of staff of the Iranian army... are dead.”
— Nadav Eyal [03:31]

This decapitation strategy aimed to dismantle Iran's command and control structures, thereby crippling its ability to organize an effective military response.

Role of Intelligence and Technology

A pivotal element of the operation was Israel's advanced intelligence capabilities. Eyal discusses how Israeli intelligence successfully infiltrated Iranian defense networks, enabling precise targeting and minimizing collateral damage.

“Israel has been investing and employing a sort of psychological warfare and deceit against Iranian leadership.”
— Nadav Eyal [17:49]

He also highlights the use of cutting-edge technology, including F-35s and F-16s, supplemented by drone operations, which allowed Israel to maintain air superiority over Iranian airspace with minimal resistance.

“The Israeli air force is basically right now, until this time that we're speaking, is operating above Iran as it is operating above Lebanon or above Gaza.”
— Nadav Eyal [32:38]

Coordination with the United States

The episode delves into the critical role played by the United States in facilitating the operation. Eyal emphasizes that without the tacit or explicit support of the U.S., Israel would have struggled to execute such a large-scale attack independently.

“Only President Trump can end... only the United States as a superpower can lead to restoration of stability and security in the region.”
— Nadav Eyal [29:01]

He details the strategic alignment between Prime Minister Netanyahu and former President Trump, suggesting a coordinated effort to present a unified front against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

“It's an excellent phone call, and they were very coordinated, I would say.”
— Nadav Eyal [24:40]

Iran's Potential Response and Future Implications

Eyal warns of the possibility of a ferocious and lethal Iranian retaliation, differentiating this conflict from previous engagements with non-state actors like Hezbollah. He underscores that Iran's ballistic missile capabilities remain a significant threat and that the current operation could trigger a protracted and devastating conflict.

“They are talking to me is to say that they are expecting a ferocious Iranian response, a lethal Iranian response.”
— Nadav Eyal [07:08]

Eyal also touches upon the psychological warfare employed by Israel, which has sown doubt and confusion within Iranian leadership circles regarding the timing and intensity of Israeli attacks.

“Israel has been investing and employing a sort of psychological warfare and deceit against Iranian leadership.”
— Nadav Eyal [17:49]

Impact on Regional Geopolitics

The operation has significant ramifications for the broader Middle East region. Eyal notes that while publicly some Arab nations condemned Israel, privately many are pleased with the weakening of Iran's influence.

“They are just overjoyed by this... It is really important for them, right, that the Iranians are not going to respond against Saudi Arabia.”
— Nadav Eyal [39:14]

He highlights the cautious optimism among Gulf states, who see the reduction of Iranian military capabilities as beneficial to their own national security interests.

Strategic Objectives and Long-Term Goals

Israel's overarching objective extends beyond the immediate neutralization of nuclear assets. Eyal elaborates that the long-term goal is to establish deterrence and prevent Iran from ever achieving a threshold nuclear weapon state.

“If the Islamic Republic wants to continue on fighting, the Israeli Air force will have enough targets.”
— Nadav Eyal [32:41]

He stresses the necessity of U.S. involvement in ensuring that regional stability is maintained post-operation and that Iran recognizes the futility of prolonged conflict.

“Only the United States as a superpower can lead to restoration of stability and security in the region.”
— Nadav Eyal [29:01]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the transformative nature of Israel's military strategy. Moving away from mere deterrence, Israel is now actively dismantling existential threats through decisive action. Eyal emphasizes that while the operation showcases Israel's military prowess, it also sets the stage for potential long-term regional instability unless a sustainable diplomatic resolution is achieved with U.S. facilitation.

“It's about deterrence and capabilities... They need to understand what happens if you fund for so many years an international and regional campaign against Israel.”
— Nadav Eyal [37:15]

The discussion underscores the delicate balance Israel must maintain between demonstrating strength and seeking pathways to lasting peace in a volatile region.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Severity of the Operation:

  “This operation is so wide scale, so ambitious that it's actually a declaration of war.”
  — Nadav Eyal [05:30]

• Regarding Iran's Miscalculation:

  “I think that one of the reasons is that they didn't understand how serious Israel is with this doctrine.”
  — Nadav Eyal [03:31]

• On Strategic Decisiveness:

  “We can do it alone and be effective.”
  — Nadav Eyal [11:12]

• Concerning U.S. Coordination:

  “Only President Trump can end... only the United States as a superpower can lead to restoration of stability and security in the region.”
  — Nadav Eyal [29:01]

• On Deterrence and Capabilities:

  “It's about deterrence and capabilities... They need to understand what happens if you fund for so many years an international and regional campaign against Israel.”
  — Nadav Eyal [37:15]

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Call Me Back" provides an in-depth analysis of Israel's audacious and strategically calculated attack on Iran. Through Nadav Eyal's expert insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the motivations, execution, and potential ramifications of this landmark military operation. As the situation continues to evolve, the episode underscores the critical role of intelligence, international alliances, and strategic foresight in shaping the future of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

For more in-depth discussions and analyses on pressing global issues, visit arkmedia.org.