Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Episode: News Roundup - June 18th, 2025
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Ark Media

Overview

In the June 18th, 2025 episode of Call Me Back - with Dan Senor, Ark Media delves into the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, focusing on the recent missile attacks targeting Israel and the looming threat of a potential American military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of political stances within the U.S., particularly among Republican voters, the defensive actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Additionally, the episode touches upon the impact of these geopolitical events on the Jewish community in the United States.

U.S. Consideration of Military Action Against Iran

Host Introduction [00:00]: The episode opens with the Host setting the scene: it is early morning in Israel following a night of missile attacks from Iran, though fewer than previous incidents. The central focus is the anticipation surrounding President Donald Trump's potential decision to initiate an American strike on Iran, specifically targeting the Fordo nuclear facility.

• President Trump's Stance:

  • Deterrence of Nuclear Expansion: Trump has been adamant that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, criticizing Iran for not signing a favorable deal when the opportunity arose.
  • Approval of Attack Plan: According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump has approved an attack plan against Iran but has yet to issue the final order.

• U.S. Preparations:

  • Evacuation Efforts: The U.S. is evacuating diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Israel using emergency flights and ships, alongside embassy staff and their families from Sunni Gulf states.
  • Military Relocation: American military assets, including aircraft and ships in the Middle East, are being repositioned to mitigate vulnerability to potential Iranian strikes.

• Administration Insights:

  • Despite some senior officials in Trump's administration being hesitant about direct U.S. involvement, there is a consensus supporting Trump's hardline stance on Iran.
  • Historical Context: Iran has a long history of antagonism towards U.S. interests, including the 1979 hostage crisis, the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing by Hezbollah (backed by Iran), and the prolonged conflicts in the 2000s resulting in over 1,000 U.S. military casualties.

Public Opinion and Republican Support for Aggressive Action

Polling Insights [03:38]: Henry Enten, an independent political and polling analyst for CNN, provides an in-depth review of recent polling data:

• Broad Consensus Against Iranian Nuclear Capabilities:

  • 79% of Adults: Oppose Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, aligning with Trump’s position.
  • Party Breakdown:
    • 83% of Republicans
    • 79% of Independents
    • 79% of Democrats
  • This widespread agreement underscores a national consensus against Iranian nuclear advancements.

• Support for Airstrikes:

  • 69% of Republicans favor U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if Iran attempts to develop nuclear weapons.
  • 27% of Republicans remain opposed, indicating some internal dissent despite the majority support.

Host Commentary [04:54]: Ark Media emphasizes that while there may be vocal disagreements within the GOP, the polling data reveals strong support among Republican and conservative bases for U.S. military support in Israel’s conflict with Iran.

Achievements and Developments by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

IDF Defensive Successes:

• Reduction in Missile Attacks:
  • Tuesday Night: Iran launched two barrages totaling 30 missiles towards Israel.
  • Wednesday Night: A single missile was intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems.
• Casualty-free Outcomes: Recent missile attacks have not resulted in serious injuries or casualties, indicating improved defensive measures by the IDF.

Potential Risks:

• Use Them or Lose Them Policy: There is a concern that if the U.S. initiates an attack, Iran might respond by unleashing a massive missile barrage against Israel before U.S. forces can neutralize their arsenals.

Diplomatic Efforts and Iran's Shift Towards Negotiation

Diplomacy Amidst Conflict:

• European Involvement:

  • Representatives from Germany, France, the UK, and the European Union’s top diplomat are planning nuclear talks with Iran scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.

• Iranian Stance:

  • Willingness to Negotiate: A senior official in Iran’s Foreign Ministry indicated readiness to engage in negotiations with the U.S.
  • Supreme Leader’s Rejection: Ayatollah Khamenei has publicly dismissed the possibility of negotiations, maintaining a hardline position.

Expert Analysis:

• Karim Sajapur, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment and a previous guest on Call Me Back, suggests that Iran’s willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions is driven by the loss of critical military and nuclear infrastructure due to Israeli airstrikes.

Impact on the U.S. Jewish Community and Summer Camp Plans

Disrupted Travel Plans:

• The Host shares a personal note about disrupted travel plans to Israel, reflecting the broader impact of Middle Eastern tensions on the U.S. Jewish community.

• Jewish Summer Camps:

  • Israeli Counselors Affected: Approximately 1,000 Israeli counselors are unable to travel to the U.S. to staff summer camps, affecting roles in bunks, kitchens, and activity programs.

• Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Response:

  • The organization is actively seeking to fill these roles with young American Jews to ensure the continuation of summer programs.
  • Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to apply for available positions via an interest form linked in the show notes.

Conclusion

The June 18th episode of Call Me Back - with Dan Senor provides a nuanced examination of the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, highlighting strong public and Republican support for decisive action against Iran's nuclear ambitions. Simultaneously, the episode underscores the defensive successes of the IDF and emerging diplomatic efforts aimed at mitigating further conflict. The broader implications for the Jewish community, particularly regarding summer camp operations, are also addressed, illustrating the pervasive impact of geopolitical developments on everyday lives.

Stay tuned to Call Me Back for ongoing coverage and analysis of these critical international issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Henry Enten [03:38]:
  “79% of adults agree on that. They agree with Donald Trump. Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon... 69% of Republicans, the clear, vast majority of Republicans, favor U.S. airstrikes on Iran on their nuclear facilities.”

• Host [00:00]:
  “Iran continues to be, and has been going back decades, a state sponsor of terrorism against US Civilians and US Interests around the world.”

For more information and to listen to the full episode, visit Ark Media’s Call Me Back podcast.