Post Reports: Will the U.S. Bomb Iran?
The Washington Post, June 18, 2025

Introduction to the Conflict

In the June 18th episode of Post Reports, hosts Marcine Powers and Elahe Izadi delve into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with a particular focus on the United States' potential military involvement. As the sixth day of hostilities unfolds, the central question dominating global discourse is: What will the United States do?

Trump’s Contemplation of Military Action

The episode opens with a tense atmosphere in Washington, D.C., amid speculations that President Donald Trump is contemplating a direct bombing campaign against Iran. Initial remarks from Trump's press conference are highlighted:

• Dan Lamoth [00:19]: "I may do it."
• Dan Lamoth [00:20]: "I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do."

These ambiguous statements underscore the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. administration's next moves.

Iran’s Stance and Leadership Response

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains defiant in the face of U.S. threats:

• Elahe Izadi [00:26]: "Iran does not fear Trump's threats and, quote, absurd rhetoric. He vowed that Iran will not surrender, as Trump has demanded, and that US Military intervention would bring, quote, irreparable damage."

This resolute stance from Iran sets the stage for a potentially volatile escalation.

Evolution of U.S. Messaging on the Conflict

Elahe Izadi moderates the discussion with Post military affairs reporter Dan Lamoth and investigative reporter Carol Lennig to unpack the Trump administration's evolving rhetoric and strategies.

• Elahe Izadi [02:24]: "President Trump is debating whether to join Israel's attacks against Iran, and this would directly pull Washington into a new Middle East conflict."

Dan Lamoth explains the technical aspects of a potential U.S. strike:

• Dan Lamoth [03:01]: "Specifically, there is a facility known as Fordo. It's literally in the side of a mountain and it is a couple hundred feet underground... The only weapon that is believed to exist that could effectively get into that is a specific kind of 30,000 pound munition that the United States military and the United States military alone possesses."

This highlights the strategic significance of the Fordo facility and the unique capabilities of the U.S. military.

Historical Context of U.S.-Iran Relations Under Trump

Carol Lennig provides historical context, referencing previous actions taken by the Trump administration that have strained U.S.-Iran relations:

• Carol Lennig [06:54]: Discusses the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani and its repercussions, including plots to assassinate Trump.

This history of aggression and retaliation adds layers of complexity to the current situation, illustrating why Trump’s decisions are heavily influenced by past conflicts.

Shift in Negotiation and Military Strategy

Despite Trump’s recent talks about negotiating a new nuclear deal with Iran, the possibility of military intervention threatens these diplomatic efforts.

• Elahe Izadi [06:54]: "Trump is sending advisors out to negotiate about a new nuclear deal... How do you square that this about face from let's make a deal to we might be bombing Iran?"

Dan Lamoth comments on the near impossibility of negotiations amidst active military conflict:

• Dan Lamoth [08:13]: "Reaching a deal now with Israel already launching multiple rounds over multiple days directly at Iran makes the deal really hard to see at this moment."

Potential Fallout from a U.S. Strike

The conversation shifts to the possible consequences if the U.S. proceeds with bombing Iran:

Impact on U.S. Forces and Regional Stability

• Dan Lamoth [16:46]: "The most immediate one is a multi-layered attack on US Forces in the region in multiple locations, multiple countries... These attacks could come from Iran itself. They could also come from the Houthis."

National Security Concerns for U.S. Citizens

Carol Lennig raises alarms about the safety of American citizens:

• Carol Lennig [17:46]: "If those operations had life in 2024, what's the challenge really to launching those secret undercover operations today or yesterday or ones that are already ongoing?"

Political Division and Public Opinion

The potential military action risks dividing Trump's base:

• Dan Lamoth [19:44]: "The fair view is that the hawks have won at least this moment... This gives a different lens on how we're in this moment now."

Carol highlights the divergence between Trump’s anti-interventionist rhetoric and the hawkish elements within the Republican Party:

• Carol Lennig [19:15]: "Trump campaigned as I'm going to get us out of these conflicts. But his campaign was let's get out of these countries... And here is a place where it looks like we're thinking about doing exactly that."

Congressional Response and War Powers

Elahe Izadi inquires about Congressional actions regarding military authorization:

• Dan Lamoth [24:03]: "Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia introduced a resolution... raising similar concerns of war powers and whether there's authorization."

However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures:

• Dan Lamoth [24:30]: "After 20-something years of doing this... I think it's falling on deaf ears."

Trump’s Legacy and Future Implications

Carol Lennig reflects on Trump's unprecedented political resilience and the potential legacy shaped by decisions in this crisis:

• Carol Lennig [25:36]: "Donald Trump has defied the odds over and over again... In this moment, the only thing akin to potentially getting engaged in a war in the Middle East and embroiling the United States in it is the coronavirus pandemic."

She emphasizes the high stakes involved:

• Carol Lennig [26:48]: "A potential new endless war is also the only equivalent test that I have seen."

Uncertainties and Future Prospects

Dan Lamoth concludes with the possibility of Trump reversing his decision at the last moment, maintaining the unpredictability of the situation:

• Dan Lamoth [27:02]: "There's at least a possibility that he backs down in some sort of 11th-hour fashion... Nothing would surprise me would maybe be the best way to put it."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to stay informed through The Washington Post and previewing other current events. The discussion underscores the gravity of the U.S. potentially entering another Middle Eastern conflict, the multifaceted implications for national security, political dynamics, and Donald Trump's enduring influence.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Lamoth [00:19]: "I may do it."
• Dan Lamoth [03:10]: "The only weapon that is believed to exist that could effectively get into that is a specific kind of 30,000 pound munition that the United States military and the United States military alone possesses."
• Carol Lennig [06:54]: "Donald Trump takes extremely personally Iran."
• Dan Lamoth [08:13]: "Reaching a deal now with Israel already launching multiple rounds over multiple days directly at Iran makes the deal really hard to see at this moment."
• Dan Lamoth [16:46]: "The most immediate one is a multi-layered attack on US Forces in the region in multiple locations, multiple countries."
• Carol Lennig [19:15]: "Trump campaigned as I'm going to get us out of these conflicts... And here is a place where it looks like we're thinking about doing exactly that."
• Dan Lamoth [24:30]: "After 20-something years of doing this... I think it's falling on deaf ears."
• Carol Lennig [25:36]: "Donald Trump has defied the odds over and over again... In this moment, the only thing akin to potentially getting engaged in a war in the Middle East and embroiling the United States in it is the coronavirus pandemic."
• Dan Lamoth [27:02]: "Nothing would surprise me would maybe be the best way to put it."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with an in-depth understanding of the critical discussions surrounding the potential U.S. bombing of Iran, the involved geopolitical dynamics, and the broader implications for American politics and international relations.