WSJ What’s News: Iran’s Nuclear Program Only Set Back by Months

Release Date: June 25, 2025

In this episode of WSJ What’s News, hosted by Luke Vargas from The Wall Street Journal, listeners are presented with a comprehensive rundown of the day's most pressing headlines, spanning international relations, political upheavals, technological advancements, and significant corporate developments. Below is a detailed summary capturing the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. US Military Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities

The episode opens with a critical analysis of recent US military actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to a new US Intelligence report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the strikes executed by the US and Israel over the past weekend have only marginally delayed Iran's nuclear ambitions by a few months. The attacks effectively sealed the entrances to two key nuclear sites but failed to dismantle the underground facilities where uranium enrichment occurs.

Key Insights:

• Assessment of Damage: Jared Malson, the Journal's Middle East correspondent, explains that the DIA's initial findings indicate that while the entrances to the nuclear sites were shut, the underground structures remain intact. This resilience suggests that Iran retains the capacity to continue its nuclear program, potentially through other concealed sites or by relocating enriched uranium.

• Administration's Response: The Trump administration has strongly contested the DIA report. Carolyn Levitt, the White House Press Secretary, dismissed the assessment as "flat out wrong," attributing it to "an anonym low level loser in the intelligence community" (03:11). This stark contradiction highlights the ongoing debate over the efficacy and impact of the strikes.

• Implications for Nuclear Diplomacy: The episode underscores the significance of these findings in shaping future diplomatic efforts. With Iran's nuclear capabilities not as severely hindered as previously claimed, President Trump’s push for a new nuclear agreement becomes more complex. The potential for continued uranium enrichment poses challenges to achieving lasting non-proliferation agreements.

Notable Quote:

"Today, eight months after launching this campaign with the vision of a city that every New Yorker could afford, we have won." — Zoran Mamdani (07:56)

2. Zoran Mamdani’s Upset Victory in New York's Mayoral Primary

Shifting focus to domestic politics, the podcast highlights a surprising outcome in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, emerged victorious against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape.

Key Insights:

• Campaign Strategy: Mamdani's campaign resonated strongly with young and left-leaning voters, emphasizing affordability and progressive policies. His victory signals a growing appetite for transformative change within New York's electorate.

• Race Dynamics: Despite Cuomos's initial lead and his decision to concede after the primary results, he has not ruled out re-entering the race. The final outcome will be determined by a ranked-choice vote count, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings.

Notable Quote:

"Together we have shown the power of the politics of the future." — Zoran Mamdani (00:36)

3. Landmark AI Copyright Ruling

A pivotal legal development discussed is the recent federal judge's ruling on the use of copyrighted materials in training artificial intelligence (AI) models. The court determined that Anthropic's use of legally purchased books for AI training complies with US Copyright law. However, the ruling excludes the 7 million books that Anthropic obtained through unauthorized means, subjecting them to further legal scrutiny.

Key Insights:

• Legal Implications: This decision could set a precedent for how AI companies utilize copyrighted content, balancing innovation in AI development with creators' rights. The differentiation between legally purchased and pirated materials underscores the nuanced approach courts may adopt in future intellectual property cases.

• Industry Impact: The ruling is poised to influence ongoing and future litigation involving major AI firms like OpenAI, Meta, and Midjourney, which have faced lawsuits from authors, musicians, and filmmakers over unauthorized content usage.

Notable Quote:

"A judge rules that AI models can use books and other copyrighted materials for training." — Luke Vargas (07:34)

4. Boeing 737 Max Safety Failures

The episode delves into the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) findings regarding the Boeing 737 Max incident from the previous year. The report attributes the accident to inadequate training provided by Boeing and ineffective regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Key Insights:

• Systemic Failures: Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair, emphasizes that the accident resulted from multiple system failures rather than individual errors (10:20). This highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in aviation safety protocols and regulatory oversight.

• Boeing and FAA Responses: In response to the report, the FAA has pledged to fundamentally overhaul its oversight mechanisms concerning Boeing, while the company commits to ongoing safety improvements.

5. FedEx's Financial Struggles and Strategic Shifts

Corporate news centers on FedEx's declining performance, with shares dropping over 5% due to increased tariffs impacting its international business. The company reported significant shipping reductions across the Pacific in the last quarter and has not provided a full-year outlook.

Key Insights:

• Workforce Adjustments: To mitigate financial pressures amid uncertain demand, FedEx is cutting parts of its European workforce as part of a broader cost-reduction strategy.

• Market Competition: The episode also explores how traditional airlines like Delta are emerging as competitors in the parcel delivery sector, leveraging their extensive networks to offer cost-effective shipping solutions.

Notable Quote:

"Shares of FedEx are down more than 5% in off-hours trading after the packaged shipping company said that tariffs are weighing on its international business." — Luke Vargas (10:36)

6. Airlines Entering the Parcel Delivery Market

Expanding on the competitive landscape, the podcast examines how airlines are capitalizing on their cargo capacities to challenge established players like FedEx and UPS. Delta Airlines, in particular, has introduced a dedicated parcel service, handling tens of thousands of packages daily.

Key Insights:

• Operational Strategy: Airlines utilize their existing cargo spaces and partnerships with logistics companies to streamline package deliveries, offering quicker and more affordable options for consumers.

• Customer Benefits and Challenges: While airlines provide competitive pricing and reliable delivery times, certain shipments, such as medical supplies, may receive priority, potentially delaying other parcels. Nonetheless, the model remains attractive for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Notable Quote:

"So the cargo units in these passenger airlines are partnering with different logistics companies... Now, cargo it's still a tiny, tiny portion of the airline revenue. It's less than 3%. But Delta says that this portion of their business is growing." — Esther Fung (11:41)

Conclusion

This episode of WSJ What’s News delivers a multifaceted examination of international tensions, political shifts, legal milestones in technology, corporate challenges, and evolving market dynamics. By integrating expert analyses and firsthand quotes, the podcast provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of complex issues shaping the global landscape.