Introduction

On June 13, 2025, NPR's Consider This episode titled "Israel struck Iran. What's next?" delves into the seismic developments following Israel's military strike on Iran. Hosted by Mary Louise Kelly, the episode features insights from NPR correspondents Hadil El Shalchi in Tel Aviv and Greg Myhre in Washington, providing a comprehensive analysis of the unfolding situation, its immediate impacts, and potential future ramifications.

Israeli Strike on Iran

The episode opens with a dramatic recount of events when, shortly after noon Eastern time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the commencement of Operation Rising Lion (00:19). This targeted military campaign aimed to dismantle what Israel perceives as Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu declared, “We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponization program” (00:39), signaling a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Israel alleges that Iran has been covertly advancing its nuclear capabilities, presenting a direct threat to Israel's survival. In response, the Israeli airstrikes targeted key military installations, nuclear facilities, and scientific centers across Iran. The operation has reportedly resulted in the death of three top Iranian security officials, including the army's chief of staff, and numerous nuclear scientists, thereby dealing a substantial blow to Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.

Immediate Reactions and Iranian Response

Following the strikes, Iran swiftly retaliated by launching multiple missiles at Israel (02:52). Hadil El Shalchi, NPR correspondent in Tel Aviv, provided a vivid account from a bomb shelter amid the explosions. She described the scene: “I made a run for the shelter... Now, I'm speaking to you from there” (03:10). The Iron Dome defense system intercepted several incoming threats, though some areas in central Tel Aviv were hit, resulting in injuries and fires, as El Shalchi noted: “...some areas in central Tel Aviv were struck, including a high-rise building that caught fire. Five people have been injured from shrapnel” (03:10).

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, responded on social media, vowing severe repercussions: “the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see” (00:46). This tit-for-tat escalation underscores the volatile nature of the conflict, with both nations demonstrating a willingness to engage in prolonged military actions.

U.S. Role and Response

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has been a pivotal actor in the unfolding crisis. Prior to the Israeli strikes, Trump indicated his preference for a negotiated deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. After the attacks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly stated that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes and cautioned Iran against targeting American interests: “The US was not involved and that Iran should not go after US targets” (04:50).

Trump expressed mixed sentiments regarding the impact of the strikes on diplomatic negotiations. While he acknowledged a preference for an agreement, he also admitted uncertainty about the long-term effects: “I don't think so. Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously” (01:43). Nevertheless, Iran has declared its unwillingness to participate in planned negotiations, potentially derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Comparisons to Previous Attacks

El Shalchi draws parallels between the current Israeli operation and a previous attack targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last fall (06:09). Both missions involved meticulous planning and intelligence operations, with Israel employing similar tactics of using concealed explosives and smuggling weapons to facilitate drone attacks. Netanyahu has long advocated for neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities, a pursuit he emphasized in a video speech referencing his 1982 book: “the current Iranian regime was a threat to Israel” (07:02).

Potential Consequences and Future Implications

The episode explores the broader implications of Israel's aggressive stance on Iran. Greg Myhre, NPR's national security correspondent, discusses the primary objectives behind Israel's actions: “the primary goal is to inflict as much damage as Israel can on Iran's nuclear program” (08:00). While Israel may aspire to weaken Iran's Islamic leadership, Myhre cautions that such military actions alone are unlikely to provoke regime change. Instead, the sustained attacks could lead to increased pressure on the Iranian government, though the regime has demonstrated resilience over decades.

El Shalchi warns of the potential for further escalation: “The chances that this really slips out of control is growing by the minute” (07:11). With Iran deploying ballistic missiles in retaliation and Israel securing its global embassies, the risk of a prolonged and wider conflict looms large. The interconnectedness of regional alliances and the strategic importance of nuclear capabilities add layers of complexity to the situation.

Conclusion

NPR's Consider This provides a nuanced examination of the recent Israeli attack on Iran, highlighting the immediate tactical outcomes and the strategic uncertainty that now clouds the path forward. As both nations brace for possible further confrontations, the episode underscores the fragile state of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the critical need for careful navigation to prevent a full-scale war. With voices from the ground in Tel Aviv and analyses from Washington, the episode offers listeners a thorough understanding of a pivotal moment in international relations.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump (00:12): “Well, I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen hours later.”

• Benjamin Netanyahu (00:39): “We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponization program.”

• Donald Trump (01:43): “I don't think so. Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously.”

• Hadil El Shalchi (03:10): “I made a run for the shelter... Now, I'm speaking to you from there.”

• Greg Myhre (08:00): “The primary goal is to inflict as much damage as Israel can on Iran's nuclear program.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Consider This effectively captures the immediacy and gravity of the Israeli-Islamic Republic of Iran conflict. Through on-the-ground reporting and expert analysis, it provides listeners with a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the possible trajectories this crisis may take. Whether you are deeply familiar with Middle Eastern politics or newly seeking insight, this summary serves as a comprehensive guide to the pivotal events shaping the region today.