Israel struck Iran. What's next?

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Mary Louise Kelly]

A little after noon Eastern time on Thursday, President Trump was asked about the possibility that Israel might attack Iran.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Mr. President, how imminent is an Israeli strike on Iran?

[Donald Trump]

Well, I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen hours later.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

It did happen.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Iranian threat, according to Israel, is a secret program to build a nuclear bomb.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponization program.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. Israel says its attacks overnight targeted Iran's military leadership and nuclear scientists and nuclear facilities across the country. According to Iran, they also killed dozens of civilians. Eyes now turn toward Iran and its response. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei said on social media that the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see. Meanwhile, the US has been negotiating with Iran to try to reach an agreement to limit its nuclear program. President Trump appears to hope the attacks will push Iran towards a deal. No more death, no more destruction, he posted on social media, adding, just do it before it is too late. But the Israeli attack could have the opposite effect. As he mused in that Thursday press.

[Donald Trump]

Conference before the strikes, I'd much prefer an agreement. As long as I think there is an agreement. I don't want them going in because I think that would blow it might help it, actually, but it also could blow it.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

The consequences of Israel's attack are potentially enormous, and they're also unpredictable. Ahead, NPR reporters dig for clues about where this conflict could be headed. From npr, I'm Mary Louise Kelly. It's consider this from npr. Events have unfolded quickly since Israel's first attacks early Friday in Iran. In response, Iran has unleashed many missiles at Israel. We're gonna talk through what we know about what has happened and where things might be headed. And I wanna note we are taping this Friday afternoon Eastern time, and we are speaking with NPR correspondent Hadil El Shalchi, who is in a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv after explosions were heard there. Hey there.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Hello.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Hi. And we also have NPR's national security correspondent Greg Myhre not in a bomb shelter in Washington. Hey, Greg.

[Greg Myhre]

Hi, Mary Louise.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Hey. Okay, so Hadil, you start. You are in Tel Aviv. You're in a bunker. What are you hearing? What does it actually sound like there tonight?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Yeah, thank you. I'm doing okay, so we started actually getting these alerts from the Israeli military to stay near a shelter on our phones. Then the sirens came, and then we started hearing these massive explosions across the city. So we made a run for the shelter, which is, like you said, I'm speaking to you from there Now, The Israeli military said that the booms we're hearing were interceptions by Israel's powerful air defense system, also known as the Iron Dome. But the military also confirmed that some areas in central Tel Aviv were struck, including a high rise building that caught fire. And also it said that five people have been injured from shrapnel. As I speak, I'm hearing more sirens, more booms outside, and friends have actually sent me videos showing red fireballs lighting up the sky. This is, of course, all happening as Israel is pushing ahead with its own attack. The military said it struck the central city of Isfahan, which has a nuclear fuel plant. And explosions were also heard from around a nuclear facility called Forda, which is underground. Earlier in the day, Iran said that Israel had struck its main nuclear facility called Natanz. And the attacks have delivered some major blows. Three top security officials, including the Iranian army's chief of staff, were killed and many nuclear scientists, according to the Iranian military.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Well, and I will just note, Greg Myri, I have stood beside you in Tel Aviv when the Iron Dome went up and you could hear it shooting down missiles. Unusual for the strikes to have made contact and to see actually injuries tonight in the country. Let me turn you to the US Role. What, if anything, is the US Role in events unfolding right now?

[Greg Myhre]

Well, we don't know everything, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio put out a clear statement shortly after the Israeli attacks began to say the US Was not involved and that Iran should not go after US Targets. Now, the US did get a heads up from Israel, and we kind of saw this in real time the past couple days as the US Took precautions with personnel in the region, diplomats, and troops. But it's not clear that the US Gave Israel a green light. Trump has consistently opposed Israeli military action against Iran, saying he wanted a negotiated deal to place strict limits on Iran's nuclear program. Trump was calling for a deal as recently as yesterday, but today he was asked by Axios whether the Israeli strike undermined the talks. And Trump said, quote, I don't think so. Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously. However, we should note Iran says it won't take part in negotiations that were planned for Sunday.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Hadil, back to you in Tel Aviv. And I want to Ask about the specifics of this Israeli attack on Iran because there are some similarities. Is that right? Some parallels between an earlier attack when Israel killed the leader of Hezbollah, Hasrat Nasrallah, in a bombing raid that was Beirut last fall.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

That's right. So there are some parallels, like you said, between the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and that led to Nasrallah's killing and the ones we're seeing today in Iran. Last fall, Israel carried out an attack using pagers which were used by Hezbollah members that blew up because Israel had concealed explosives in them. And today, Israeli security officials said that Israel's spy agency, known as the Mossad, smuggled weapons into Iran ahead of the attack. They said that a base for launching explosive drones was established inside Iran and that the drones were activated to target missile launchers at base near Tehran. Now, see, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been dreaming of taking out Iran's nuclear facilities for almost 30 years. In fact, in a video speech today, he referred to a book he wrote in 1982 where he said that the current Iranian regime was a threat to Israel.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

And Hadil, one more to you in terms of the Iranian response. They had said expect vengeance. They seem to be following through. What are you watching for?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Absolutely. I mean, it's certainly Iran is certainly pushing back right now. Iran attacked Israel twice last year, but they didn't do very much damage. But this time, Israel is saying this operation could last many days, even weeks. The chances that this really slips out of control is growing by the minute. Israel had warned that Iran would use its ballistic missiles again. Israel's also closed all of its embassies worldwide and warned its nationals overseas to keep a low profile. So it obviously fears attacks on them, too.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

Crick Myre, last question to you. This is obviously a very aggressive Israeli operation that we are seeing continuing to unfold against Iran's nuclear program. What is the goal? Is it just let's slow down or destroy Iran's nuclear program, or is it something bigger, an attempt perhaps to provoke regime change?

[Greg Myhre]

Well, I think certainly the primary goal is to inflict as much damage as Israel can on Iran's nuclear program. When I was based there in the early 2000s, Israel was often talking about this goal. In addition, Israel would welcome any weakening of Iran's Islamic leadership and would be thrilled if it was ousted. But that's not something Israel could expect to bring about with airstrikes alone. In the short term, Iranians are quite likely to rally around the flag in response to these Israeli attacks. Also, Iran's government has proved extremely resilient for 46 years and remains in firm control. These sustained Israeli attacks could unleash all sorts of unintended consequences, including putting more pressure on the Iranian government. But at this stage, there's no reason to think it will generate an internal uprising that would threaten the government.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

NPR national security correspondent Greg Myrey here in Washington. We've also been speaking with NPR's Hadil Al Shalchi in a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv. Stay safe. Thank you. You too.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

You're welcome.

[Greg Myhre]

Sure thing, Mary Louise.

[Mary Louise Kelly]

This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, Mark Rivers and Jordan Marie Smith. It was edited by James Heider, Krishnadev Kalimore, Jeanette woods and Connor Donovan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenike. And I want to say thank you to our CONSIDER THIS plus listeners who support the work of NPR journalists and help keep public radio strong. Supporters also hear every episode without messages from sponsors. You can learn more at plus.NPR.org It's Consider this from NPR. I'm Mary Louise Kelly.