"Never Again Is Now" Netanyahu's War on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

Summary

Summary of "Never Again Is Now: Netanyahu's War on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions"

Episode Title: "Never Again Is Now: Netanyahu's War on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions"
Host: Ben Ferguson
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Producer: Premiere Networks

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Introduction

In the June 16, 2025 episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, focusing on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic moves against Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of recent military actions, political reactions, and the broader implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics and U.S. foreign policy.

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1. Israel's Offensive Against Iran

The episode kicks off with a dramatic overview of Israel's intensified military campaign targeting Iran's nuclear ambitions. Ben Ferguson highlights the gravity of the situation through Netanyahu's own words:

Benjamin Netanyahu [00:06]: "Because we were facing an imminent dual existential threat. One, the threat of Iran rushing to weaponize air enriched uranium to make atomic bombs. Second, a rush to increase their ballistic missile arsenal... each one weighing a ton, coming in at Mach 6 right into our cities."

These remarks set the tone for understanding Israel's urgent actions to dismantle Iran's capabilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly succeeded in eliminating Iran's top intelligence officials, including Brigadier General Mohammed Kazimi and his deputy, marking a significant blow to Iran's intelligence apparatus.

Impact on the Iranian Regime:

• Intel Penetration: The successful targeting of high-ranking officials suggests deep Israeli intelligence penetration within Iran's regime.
• Potential for Internal Unrest: Strikes on the headquarters of Iran's parliamentary forces (Bajij) indicate a strategy to weaken the regime's grip, potentially fostering public dissent and uprisings.

Netanyahu emphasizes the necessity of these actions not only for Israel's survival but also to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons globally:

Benjamin Netanyahu [06:21]: "Once they go that route, it's too late. And we will not have a second holocaust, a nuclear holocaust. We already had one in the previous century. The Jewish state is not going to have the holocaust made it on the Jewish people. It's not going to happen. Never again is now."

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2. Netanyahu's Interview on Fox News

A significant portion of the episode covers Netanyahu's appearance on Fox News Channel, where he elaborates on the imminent threats posed by Iran and justifies Israel's preemptive strikes.

Key Points from the Interview:

• Dual Threats: Netanyahu reiterates the dual threats of uranium weaponization and the rapid expansion of Iran's ballistic missile arsenal.

  Benjamin Netanyahu [04:46]: "3,600 weapons a year, new weapons within three years, 10,000 ballistic missiles... No country can sustain that and certainly not a country the size of Israel."

• Global Implications: He underscores that neutralizing Iran's capabilities safeguards not just Israel but the broader international community from nuclear terrorism.

• Assassination Attempts: Netanyahu reveals that Iran has attempted to assassinate both himself and former U.S. President Donald Trump, positioning these acts as evidence of Iran's hostile intentions.

  Benjamin Netanyahu [08:49]: "They want to kill him. Look, he's enemy number one. He's a decisive leader... They also tried to kill me, but I'm his junior partner."

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3. Donald Trump's Stance and Responses

The episode transitions to former President Donald Trump's commentary on the Israel-Iran conflict. Highlighting Trump's unwavering support for Israel, Ben Ferguson discusses Trump's remarks made during a press conference en route to the G7 summit.

Trump's Key Statements:

• Support for Israel: Trump unequivocally stands with Israel, asserting continued U.S. backing for its defense initiatives.

  Donald Trump [11:02]: "Well, I don't want to say that... We do. Yeah. Thank you very much."

• Desire for a Deal: Despite endorsing Israel's actions, Trump expresses hope for a diplomatic resolution, indicating a willingness to mediate a potential deal between Iran and Israel.

  Donald Trump [11:34]: "I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal and we'll see what happens."

Analysis:

• Close Alliance: The episode underscores the strong rapport between Trump and Netanyahu, highlighting their collaborative stance against Iran.
• Media Interactions: Ferguson notes the media's probing questions aimed at potential U.S. intervention to de-escalate tensions, to which Trump maintains a balanced approach between support and diplomacy.

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4. Regional Perspectives and International Reactions

Ben Ferguson also explores the reactions from other Middle Eastern nations, particularly allies of Israel. The Israeli Ambassador's comments reveal a tacit approval from Gulf states regarding Israel's actions against Iran.

Israeli Ambassador's Insights:

• Gulf Support: While not publicly vocal, Gulf nations privately support Israel's military campaigns against Iranian targets.

  Israeli Ambassador [10:05]: "Many friends from the Gulf area... are very happy to see what we are doing now. They feel safer when they see our aircraft flying over Tehran and targeting those military bases."

• Civilian Impact: Acknowledges the tragic loss of lives due to Iranian missile attacks on Israeli cities, underscoring the humanitarian toll.

  Israeli Ambassador [10:36]: "Last night was a very difficult night. Ten people died because of those attacks."

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5. Humanitarian Efforts and Public Support

Amidst the conflict, the podcast touches on the humanitarian response and how listeners can contribute to supporting those affected in Israel. Ben Ferguson promotes the work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), emphasizing the urgent need for bomb shelters and other support measures.

Call to Action:

• Support Initiatives: Encourages donations to IFCJ to aid in building bomb shelters and providing essential services to families under threat.

  Commentator: "Your gift of only $45 will help support life-saving work by providing food, shelter and so much more."

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Conclusion

The episode "Never Again Is Now: Netanyahu's War on Iran's Nuclear Ambitions" provides a comprehensive overview of the heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, spotlighting Israel's strategic military actions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. Through Netanyahu's assertive rhetoric and Trump's steadfast support, the podcast paints a picture of a region on the brink, with significant implications for international security and geopolitical alliances. Ben Ferguson effectively combines direct quotes, expert commentary, and calls to action, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of one of the most pressing conflicts in contemporary politics.

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Notable Quotes:

• Benjamin Netanyahu [00:06]: "Because we were facing an imminent dual existential threat... 10,000 ballistic missiles, each one weighing a ton, coming in at Mach 6 right into our cities."

• Benjamin Netanyahu [06:21]: "Once they go that route, it's too late. And we will not have a second holocaust, a nuclear holocaust... Never again is now."

• Benjamin Netanyahu [08:49]: "They want to kill him. Look, he's enemy number one. He's a decisive leader... They also tried to kill me, but I'm his junior partner."

• Donald Trump [11:02]: "We do. Yeah. Thank you very much."

• Donald Trump [11:34]: "I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal and we'll see what happens."

• Israeli Ambassador [10:05]: "They feel safer when they see our aircraft flying over Tehran and targeting those military bases."

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This summary aims to encapsulate the critical discussions and insights presented in the episode, offering a clear and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.

Transcript

[Ben Ferguson]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Because we were facing an imminent dual existential threat. One, the threat of Iran rushing to weaponize air enriched uranium to make atomic bombs. Second, a rush to increase their ballistic missile arsenal. It took the capacity that they would have 3,600 weapons a year, new weapons within three years, 10,000 ballistic missiles, each one weighing a ton, coming in at Mach 6 right into our cities, as you saw today.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Commentator]

Good Monday morning, day five of the war between Israel and Iran. Israel has now killed the Iranian intelligence chief and his deputy and they're going after other leaders in the Iranian government. We'll have the latest on that. Plus, Donald Trump is coming out talking about how close of an ally Israel is and standing side by side with Bibi. You'll hear from Bibi as well and Donald Trump. I want to also make sure you guys remember, hit that subscribe auto download button and share this podcast on your social media wherever you're listening right now. We've also had so many of you that have asked the question, how can I help people in Israel? And we've been telling you about the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the work they are doing is incredible. They are deploying bomb shelters as we speak to help keep people safe in Israel when things get bad, that is when they step up and protect families and loved ones. And if you want to get involved and stand with the people in Israel right now, you can do it by giving food and shelter to Jewish families that are under threat. As I said, they're building bomb shelters for children. They're helping survivors of the attacks that we're witnessing right now. And they are doing it daily. Your gift of only $45 will help support life saving work by providing food, shelter and so much more. I was speaking with the CEO of IFCJ and she was talking about just how hard is for so many families in Israel right now and what they're doing on the ground and the bomb shelters that are needed. And she said very simply, if you can help stand with the in Israel that are under attack. They are doing everything they can to support them and to give the bomb shelters that are needed. So step up and help right now if you can at all. 888-488 IFCJ. That's 888-488-4325. You can also give [e-mail] every dollar helps. Don't wait be the difference ifcj.org or 88848, 8, IFCJ. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. Story number one, Israel goes on the offensive in Iran. And this time Israel has killed the Iranian intelligence chief and his deputy in a wide scale strike as they also have gained control of the airspace over Iran, hitting targets now during the day. Israeli media sources and Iranian state media both now confirming late Sunday that the Israeli Defense Forces had succeeded in killing Iran's intelligence chief and his top deputy. This being a major blow to the regime. The fact that Israel was also able to locate and to eliminate the highest officials in Iran's intelligence hierarchy suggests an unprecedented depth of intelligence penetration. The entire regime apparently now may be compromised. The times of Israel sang it this way. Quote, Iranian state media officially confirms that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards intelligence chief, Brigadier General Mohammed Kazimi and his deputy were killed in an Israeli strike today. There were also reports that Israel had struck the headquarters Bajij, the parliamentary force that has suppressed popular uprisings in Iran, potentially now opening the way for citizens to rise up in Iran. The IDF also said it had conducted strikes on infrastructure belonging to the code forces and the irgc, known as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite terrorist force, as well as the Iranian military in Tehran. There were numerous weapon production sites across Iran that were also hit. Now, Iran managed to fire dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel on Sunday, but none of them, thank goodness, did significant damage. Which brings me the Prime Minister Netanyahu going on Fox News Channel and saying this.

[Brett Baier]

First of all, let me start at the beginning. Why did you launch this operation now?

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Because we were facing an imminent threat, a dual existential threat. One, the threat of Iran rushing to weaponize their enriched uranium to make atomic bombs with a specific and declared intent to destroy us. Second, a rush to increase their ballistic missile arsenal into the capacity that they would have. 3,600 weapons a year, new weapons, within three years, 10,000 ballistic missiles, each one weighing a ton, coming in at Mach 6 right into our cities, as you saw today. And then in 20, in six years, 20,000. That's. No country can sustain that and certainly not a country the size of Israel. So we had to act. It was the 12th hour. We did act to save ourselves, but also, I think, to not only protect ourselves, but protect the world from this incendiary regime. We can't have the world's most dangerous regime, have the world's most dangerous weapons. We're protecting ourselves, but by doing so, we're protecting many others.

[Commentator]

Now, Bibi wasn't done there. He also talked about the intel that was shared from Israel with the US and he said it was very clear that Iran had a plan and it was a plan of mass destruction.

[Brett Baier]

You know, I just want to press you on the intel on the nuclear part. Less than two months ago, the new Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard testified on Capitol Hill saying that everything had been suspended since 2003 and had not restarted, that the nuclear program had not been restarted by the Iranians. So did something change from end of March until this week? Was the US intel wrong?

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

The intel we got and we shared with the United States was absolutely clear, was absolutely clear that they were working in a secret plan to weaponize the uranium. They were marching very quickly. They would achieve a test device and possibly an initial device within months and certainly less than a year. That was the intel we shared with the United States. I think we have excellent intel in Iran. I think we've proven that. And that is something that we couldn't possibly accept. Whether it would be 6 months or 12 months or 13 months is immaterial. Once they go that route, it's too late. And we will not have a second holocaust, a nuclear holocaust. We already had one in the previous century. The Jewish state is not going to have the holocaust made it on the Jewish people. It's not going to happen. Never again is now. And we have to act now.

[Commentator]

Now it's very clear the Prime Minister of Israel believes that this needed to be done now. It could not wait another six weeks or six days or even six. It was a real threat that was taking place now. And it's pretty clear that he believes that he has done something that the world should approve of. Now there was also another very interesting part of the conversation that he had with Brett Baer about who may have been behind the assassination attempts on Donald Trump. Take a listen carefully to what he has to say.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

So that's the difference. They're a terrorist regime. We can't have Iran have nuclear weapons. And by the way, our intel shows that they intend to give these nuclear weapons to their Houthi proxies and others. And that's nuclear terrorism on a global scale. It threatens everyone. And the last thing is they have plans to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles right now. 8,000 kilometers very soon, just at a little distance and they can reach the eastern seaboard of the United States. These people who chant death to America, try to assassinate President Trump twice, kill 241 of your Marines in Beirut, killed and injured thousands of American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Try to bomb a restaurant in Washington, D.C. chant death to America, burn the American flag. Do you want these people to have nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to your cities? Of course not. Yeah, so we're defending ourselves, but we're also defending the world.

[Brett Baier]

I want to talk about the nuclear threat. I want to talk about President Trump. You just said Iran tried to assassinate President Trump twice. Do you have intel that the assassination attempts on President Trump were directly from Iran through proxies?

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Yes. Through their intel? Yes. They want to kill him. Look, he's enemy number one. He's a decisive leader. He never took the path that others took to try to bargain with him in a way that is weak, giving them basically a pathway to enrich uranium, which means a pathway to the bomb padding it with billions and billions of dollars. He took up his fake agreement and basically tore it up. He killed the Qasem Soleimani, he said, made it very clear, including now, you cannot have a nuclear weapon, which means you cannot enrich. He's been very forceful. So for them, he's. He's enemy number one. Yeah, look, they also tried to kill me, but I'm his junior partner.

[Commentator]

There's no doubt that Donald Trump and Bibi are extremely close. And calling yourself a junior partner is a perfect way of saying. It's.

[Ben Ferguson]

Now story number two, Donald Trump speaking.

[Commentator]

Out very clearly that he is going to allow Israel to do what it needs to do to protect and defend itself. In fact, the Israeli ambassador, the UN had this to say about the difference between what Israel is doing to Iran and what Iran is doing to the Israeli people. Are you confident, though, that you're doing enough to make sure that Iran is isolated, especially with the rest of the.

[Brett Baier]

Middle east, that Iran is here and they're here alone?

[Israeli Ambassador]

Well, I speak with many friends from the Gulf area. They will not say publicly, but they are very happy to see what we are doing now. They feel safer when they see our aircraft flying over Tehran and targeting those military bases. But look what happened yesterday. We are targeting military bases, infrastructure of ballistic missiles and nuclear reactors, and they are targeting our cities, our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, last night was a very difficult night. Ten people died because of those attacks. And also tonight, it's going to be a hard night in Israel.

[Commentator]

He is absolutely right that there is a huge difference between the two scenarios. And, of course, the media doing everything they can to be apologists for Tehran. One of the questions the President was asked on the way to the G7 summit was this. And it's very clear the media wants Donald Trump to tell Israel to stop doing what they're doing. Have you asked Israel to pause their airstrike?

[Donald Trump]

Well, I don't want to say that.

[Commentator]

Well, I don't want to say that. After the question from the reporter. Pretty clear. Mr. President. Have you asked Israel to pause their airstrikes into Iran? The president not done there in his comments. Also being asked about the Israel Iran conflict and how he would be involved.

[Donald Trump]

Well, we get along very well and I will tell you that I think I have great respect for each other. And can you give us a sense.

[Commentator]

Of what you're doing to try to.

[Donald Trump]

De escalate the situation between Iran and Israel? Well, I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal and we'll see what happens. But sometimes they have to fight it out. But we're going to see what happens. I think there's a good chance there'll be a deal.

[Commentator]

Now, we all know that President Trump is the master of the are the deal and there's a very good chance at some point he could step in and help calm things down. But there's also the important fact that the president clearly stands with Israel. And yes, the media was even dumb enough to ask him that question. And the president had a very simple response. Will the US Continue to support Israel in its defense? We do. Yeah. Thank you very much. We do. Thank you very much. Yet again, the president making it clear he stands side by side with Israel, the people and the leadership.

[Ben Ferguson]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow. This is an iHeart podcast.