Fox News Hourly Update: 2PM ET 06/23/2025 Newscast – Detailed Summary

On June 23, 2025, Fox News Radio’s "Fox News Hourly Update" delivered a comprehensive rundown of critical global events, focusing primarily on escalating tensions in the Middle East, diplomatic maneuvers, economic implications, and domestic political developments in the United States. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the newscast.

1. Iran's Missile Attack on US Air Base in Qatar

Initial Report and Immediate Response

The broadcast commenced with a breaking news alert about a significant military escalation:

• Jack Callahan opened the segment at [00:01] announcing, "Iran attacks a US Air base... launching missiles toward the Al Udid Air Force Base in Qatar in response to the US Bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities."

Qatari Confirmation and Impact

• Jonathan Savage followed at [00:14], reporting, "according to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, these missiles were intercepted over the Qatari capital of Doha. They say there are no injuries on the ground. And the Qataris are condemning this attack."

Further Details on the Attack

• Jack Callahan provided additional context at [00:25], stating, "Launched by Iran's Trey Yingst in Tel Aviv."

International Reactions

• Isaac Herzog, Israel's President, spoke at [00:28]: "I would say the world is safer because when you understand the enormous war machine that was built on the Iranian nuclear program by Iran, you understand what an enormous risk it is to the world."

2. Israel's Military Response and Russian Involvement

Israeli Airstrikes on Iran

• Jack Callahan continued at [00:42], detailing, "Israel's President Isaac Herzog speaking to Fox News saying his country appreciates the US taking out the Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Israel has staged more airstrikes on Iran today, saying it's carried out its most extensive strikes ever in Tehran and has also once again targeted the Fordo nuclear facility."

Russia's Diplomatic Engagement with Iran

• Jack Callahan reported at [00:42]: "Russia's President Putin is meeting with Iran's foreign minister in Moscow."

• Vladimir Putin commented at [01:06], "President Putin calls it absolutely unprovoked aggression, which he says has no basis and no justification."

Russian Support and International Tensions

• Jack Callahan added, "The Russian leader hosted Iran's foreign minister in the Kremlin, a show of support for a country with which he recently signed a partnership deal. President Putin promised to try to help the Iranian people without spelling out how."

• Putin further warned at [01:06], "the world was being brought to a very dangerous line."

• Fox News cited Reuters at [01:06]: "Iranian officials feel betrayed by Russia and China for not offering more support."

3. Economic Impact and Market Reactions

Stock Market Volatility

• Jack Callahan reported at [01:38], "The Dow dipped sharply on the word of the attack on a US Air base today, but it is now up sharply. The Dow 266 points higher. Nasdaq up 158 points."

Market Insights

• The sudden fluctuations reflect investor uncertainty amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning oil supply disruptions and military conflicts.

4. U.S. Presidential Actions and NATO Summit Preparations

President Trump's Strategic Moves

• Jack Callahan summarized at [02:16]: "President Trump is meeting with his national security team in the White House situation Room. The president is scheduled to leave tomorrow for the NATO summit in the Netherlands."

NATO Defense Spending Agenda

• Jared Halpern provided insights at [02:36], "The president is hoping to secure a 5% defense spending pledge from NATO countries, a substantial jump from the current 3% of GDP goals set up in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The US does not currently spend that much on the military, but President Trump doesn't believe a spending increase should be required of the US, calling on Europe to do more."

Ukraine's Involvement

• Jared Halpern continued, "Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the NATO summit, but is not scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House."

Oil Production and Security Concerns

• Jared Halpern further mentioned, "Urging oil-producing countries to step up production against the threat of Iran to block oil shipments from the Persian Gulf by placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz."

5. Middle East Oil Market Dynamics

Oil Prices and Supply Threats

• Jack Callahan noted at [03:07], "But world oil prices are down more than 5%."

Implications for Global Markets

• The drop in oil prices amidst geopolitical tensions highlights the volatility and the delicate balance between supply assurances and conflict-induced disruptions in the energy sector.

6. Domestic Developments: Pro-Palestinian Activism at Columbia University

Mahmoud Khalil's Return and Activism

• Jack Callahan transitioned to domestic news at [03:07], reporting, "Just released from ICE detention, a pro-Palestinian activist returns to the campus of Columbia University two days after being freed from an immigration detention center."

• Mahmoud Khalil led another anti-Israel protest march at [03:24], demonstrating continued activism despite legal challenges.

Support and Criticism

• C.J. Papa commended Khalil at [03:34], saying, "I would like to salute the courage of all students at Columbia and across the nation."

• Mahmoud Khalil responded at [03:43], "The 30-year-old says the Trump administration tried to portray him as violent, but he insists that's not the case."

• C.J. Papa further supported Khalil by stating at [03:49], "Mahmoud Khalil is a freedom fighter."

Legal Proceedings and Deportation Efforts

• Mahmoud Khalil's detainment details were shared at [03:51], "He spent more than three months in detention in Gina, Louisiana, but was released on bail last week after a federal judge ruled he is not a flight risk."

• Department of Homeland Security is urging Khalil to self-deport, adding to the ongoing legal and political discourse surrounding his case.

Conclusion

The 2PM ET newscast from Fox News Radio on June 23, 2025, provided listeners with an in-depth analysis of escalating Middle Eastern tensions, particularly focusing on Iran's military actions and the resultant international diplomatic responses. The segment delved into the economic repercussions of these conflicts, highlighted by significant stock market movements and fluctuating oil prices. Additionally, domestic political strategies pertaining to NATO and defense spending were explored, alongside domestic issues involving pro-Palestinian activism in the United States.

Notable quotes include:

• Isaac Herzog at [00:28]: "I would say the world is safer because when you understand the enormous war machine that was built on the Iranian nuclear program by Iran, you understand what an enormous risk it is to the world."

• Vladimir Putin at [01:06]: "Absolutely unprovoked aggression, which he says has no basis and no justification."

• C.J. Papa at [03:34]: "I would like to salute the courage of all students at Columbia and across the nation."

These insights offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted geopolitical and domestic issues shaping the global and national landscape.