Today, Explained: America First (unless Iran...)
Released on June 23, 2025 | Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network
Hosts: Sean Ramis and Josh Keating
Guest Appearances: Dan Kane, Tulsi Gabbard, Professor Vali Nasser
1. Unprecedented Action: U.S. Bombs Iran
[00:01] Sean Ramis:
“This weekend, the current President of the United States did something no former president of the United States has ever done. He bombed Iran.”
In a striking development, President Trump initiated airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, marking a first in U.S. presidential history. This bold move has ignited intense debate over its necessity and implications.
2. Background on U.S.-Iran Relations and Iran’s Nuclear Program
[16:53] Josh Keating:
“...it hasn’t been developing a nuclear weapon. It has been developing a nuclear program. It actually started before the revolution under the Shah...”
Professor Vali Nasser provides a historical perspective, outlining Iran's nuclear ambitions that date back to the pre-revolution era under the Shah, initially aimed at modernization and industrialization. The Islamic Republic later perceived the nuclear program as a strategic tool to gain leverage against U.S. sanctions and regional adversaries.
3. President Trump’s Decision and Rationale
[02:03] Dan Kane:
“So on Saturday night US Time, the US launched airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program.”
President Trump's decision to strike Iran was influenced by a confluence of factors, including new intelligence from Israel suggesting Iran's accelerated nuclear capabilities. Despite skepticism within his own intelligence community, Trump proceeded, emphasizing his confidence in achieving America’s national security objectives.
4. Internal Conflicts and Intelligence Discrepancies
[03:38] Tulsi Gabbard:
“Building a nuclear weapon. And Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.”
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, expressed doubts about Iran's progress toward developing nuclear weapons, directly contrasting the President’s stance. This discord highlights a significant internal rift within the administration regarding Iran's nuclear threat.
[06:58] Sean Ramis:
“He didn't even tell you?”
[06:53] Dan Kane:
“No, he didn’t. He didn’t?”
The administration proceeded with the airstrikes without broad congressional authorization, adhering to a long-standing tradition but raising questions about transparency and consensus.
5. Implications of the Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities
[22:07] Sean Ramis:
“But what we know, John, is they no longer have the capacity to turn that stockpile of highly enriched uranium to weapons-grade uranium.”
While President Trump declared the Iranian nuclear facilities obliterated, experts caution that the true extent of the damage remains unclear without on-the-ground assessments. There are indications that Iran may have preemptively moved sensitive materials, potentially mitigating the immediate impact of the strikes.
6. Potential Iranian Retaliation and Future Conflict Scenarios
[22:45] Josh Keating:
“Well, Iran has enough missiles, short range missiles, medium range missiles to hit plenty of US targets in the region...”
The podcast discusses the likelihood of Iranian retaliation, which could include missile attacks targeting U.S. interests in the Middle East or disrupting global oil supplies. However, both the U.S. and Iran appear to prefer avoiding a protracted conflict, though mistrust remains high.
7. Shifts in Trump’s Foreign Policy and “America First”
[10:26] Sean Ramis:
“It was a major shift. I mean, and I don't really have a good explanation for it other than this is a president who's shown more than once he's capable of shifting on a dime in foreign policy.”
Trump's foreign policy has exhibited unpredictability, oscillating between isolationist rhetoric and aggressive military actions. The acknowledgment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the context of bombing Iran signifies a possible alignment shift, raising questions about the consistency of the "America First" doctrine.
8. Perspectives from Experts and Scholars
[28:42] Josh Keating:
“Support for the show comes from Mercury. What if banking did more?”
Professor Vali Nasser discusses Iran’s grand strategy, emphasizing that while Iran has not yet developed a nuclear weapon, its nuclear program remains a strategic priority. The recent strikes have disrupted but not dismantled Iran's nuclear ambitions entirely, leaving room for future negotiations or conflicts.
9. Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The episode concludes by acknowledging the precarious balance in U.S.-Iran relations following the unprecedented airstrikes. The potential for escalation remains, but both nations appear wary of engaging in an all-out war. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, contemplating the broader implications for regional stability and global security.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Sean Ramis [00:01]: “This weekend, the current President of the United States did something no former president of the United States has ever done. He bombed Iran.”
- Tulsi Gabbard [03:38]: “Building a nuclear weapon. And Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.”
- Josh Keating [22:45]: “Well, Iran has enough missiles, short range missiles, medium range missiles to hit plenty of US targets in the region...”
- Sean Ramis [10:26]: “He was flanked by his vice president, his secretary of state, and the secretary of defense. What did he have to say to the nation?”
Final Notes:
This episode of Today, Explained provides a comprehensive analysis of President Trump’s unprecedented decision to bomb Iran, delving into the historical context, internal administrative conflicts, and the potential ramifications for international relations. Through expert insights and in-depth discussion, the hosts unravel the complexities of this significant geopolitical event.