OPERATION RISING LION: Claiming that Iran was on the verge of producing as many as nine nuclear bombs, Israel launched what it said would be a multiday campaign to degrade Iran’s nuclear facilities and eliminate key military leaders and nuclear scientists.
The air attacks by more than 200 jets targeted Iran’s military bases and nuclear enrichment sites, including its primary site, a compound at Natanz in central Iran housing centrifuges, and other critical infrastructure. It included strikes by drone smuggled weapons ahead of time by Mossad, Israel’s spy agency.
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“For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for Israel’s destruction. They’ve backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a program to develop nuclear weapons,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address to the world. “In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponize this enriched uranium, and if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year, it could be within a few months, less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival.”
“Israel has shown that we have learned the lessons of history. When enemies vowed to destroy you, believe them. When enemies build weapons of mass death, stop them,” Netanyahu said, explaining the name of the operation, “Rising Lion.”
“As the Bible teaches us, when someone comes to kill you, rise and act first.” This is exactly what Israel has done today. We have risen like lions to defend ourselves.”
TRUMP: NEXT ATTACKS WILL BE ‘MORE BRUTAL’: President Donald Trump, who had advance word of the attacks, warned Iran in a social media post this morning that the worst is yet to come and to make a deal with the U.S. before it’s too late. Here’s the full text:
I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to “just do it,” but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.
I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come – And they know how to use it.
Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!
There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end.
Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!”
RUBIO: ‘WE ARE NOT INVOLVED’: Last night, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement disavowing any responsibility for Israel’s actions and warning Tehran not to retaliate against the U.S. military in the region. “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said, acknowledging the U.S. had advanced word of the strike. “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.”
In a brief phone call with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, President Donald Trump expressed the hope the Israeli strike would not derail the negotiations for a new nuclear deal with Iran, and Baier related on Fox last night. “He gave me a quote. He said Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb. We’re hoping to get back to the negotiating table,” Baier said. “We’ll see,” the president said. “There are several people in leadership in Iran that will not be coming back.”
Iranian state television reported that among the dead is Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces.”
Just before the strikes happened, but after he knew they were coming, Trump posted this on his Truth Social account: “We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.”
ISRAEL LAUNCHES STRIKES AGAINST IRAN ON SAME DAY TRUMP OBJECTED TO ATTACKS
IRAN: ‘SEVERE PUNISHMENT WILL BE INFLICTED UPON ISRAEL’: Judging from the rhetoric on its official X account, Iran is in no mood to negotiate. Its immediate response was to launch 100 drones against Israel, which Israel claims to have mostly shot down with its Iron Dome and other air defense systems.
“Defending Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty is the undeniable responsibility of the government and the armed forces. Retaliation for this aggression is Iran’s legitimate right, and with the ‘powerful hand of the armed forces’ and under the command of the Leadership, severe punishment will be inflicted upon Israel,” the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran posted on X.
“Israel’s attack last night on Iranian soil, which resulted in the martyrdom of citizens, commanders, and nuclear scientists, is a blatant violation of international law and a terrorist act,” the statement said. “The government has already initiated necessary measures to ‘make Israel regret’ its actions and has called on the United Nations Security Council to take a stance regarding this breach of international peace.”
Iran’s foreign ministry also had a message for the United States. “The aggressive actions of the Zionist regime against Iran could not have been carried out without coordination with and approval of the United States. Thus, the U.S. government, as the main supporter of this regime, will be held responsible for the dangerous consequences of Israel’s adventurism.”
IRAN WARNS OF ‘BITTER, PAINFUL FATE’ BEFORE LAUNCHING RETALIATORY STRIKE AGAINST ISRAEL
Good Friday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre’s Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesn’t work, shoot us an email and we’ll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and/or on X @jamiejmcintyre.
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Reaction to Israel’s unilateral action, which has the potential to derail President Trump’s efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran and could spark a wider war in the region, run the gamut from “a bold action” to “a reckless escalation.”
Here’s a sample of what people are saying:
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: “We had no choice but to act and act now. The hardest decision any leader has to make is thwarting danger before it is fully materialized. Nearly a century ago, facing the Nazis, a generation of leaders failed to act in time. They were paralyzed by the horrors of World War I. They were determined to avoid war at all costs, and they got the worst war ever. They adopted a policy of appeasement. They closed their eyes and ears to all the warning signs. That failure to act resulted in World War II, the deadliest war in history. It claimed the lives of 60 million, including 6,000,000 Jews, one-third of my people. After that war, the Jewish people and the Jewish state vowed ‘Never again.’ Well, ‘Never again’ is now.”
SEN. ROGER WICKER (R-MS), ARMED SERVICES CHAIRMAN: “Tonight, we stand firmly alongside Israel and its unilateral preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s sprint to become a nuclear threat to America and our allies, while leading the world in proliferating terrorism, is the cause of this conflict. The single worst decision Iran could make now is to target American service members. I’m confident General Kurilla and Secretary Hegseth have prepared our forces in the region for the threat environment they face.
SEN. JACK REED (D-RI): “Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence. These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East and the safety of American citizens and forces. While tensions between Israel and Iran are real and complex, military aggression of this scale is never the answer. I urge both nations to show immediate restraint, and I call on President Trump and our international partners to press for diplomatic de-escalation before this crisis spirals further out of control. President Trump must be crystal clear with the American people and the international community in charting a way forward. The world cannot afford more devastating conflict born of short-sighted violence.”
REP. BRIAN MAST (R-FL) FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHAIRMAN: “A year ago, Iran sent three Americans home under flag-draped caskets who were killed at Tower 22. Within the last three months, Iran attacked navy warships. What Israel’s preemptive strike ensured tonight is that Iran’s next attack will not be with a nuclear weapon.”
REP. ADAM SMITH (D-WA): “As we work to understand the situation that is developing in the Middle East tonight, I urge both sides to do what they can to prevent further escalation of violence. Too many innocent civilians are at risk of getting caught in the crossfire, and leaders of both countries should proceed with caution.”
REP. RICK CRAWFORD (R-AR) INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: “I will say I regret that we have come to this breaking point. However, under no circumstance can Iran get its hands on a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran would only embolden our adversaries and not only pose an undeniable threat to Israel, but also the United States and our Arab allies. Iran pushed the world to this point through its blatant, relentless, destabilizing behavior. Israel and others in the region have every right to take the actions needed to defend themselves. I commend the Trump administration for its tireless efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. I am hopeful a remedy is reached sooner rather than later to stabilize this situation before the stakes get any higher.”
SEN. MARK WARNER (D-VA) INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRMAN: “This is a rapidly evolving situation, and it’s critical that the United States work with our allies and avoid steps that will cause further escalation across the region. For years, Iran has threatened the safety of Israel and the region and Israel has an undeniable right to defend itself and its citizens. At the moment, my foremost concern is the safety of American troops, diplomats, and personnel stationed throughout the Middle East. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am carefully monitoring developments and staying in close contact with our intelligence and national security agencies.”
MICHAEL MAKOVSKY, PRESIDENT AND CEO, JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY OF AMERICA: “Israel’s bold action has hit the pause button on Iran’s dangerously accelerating nuclear program. Not just Israel, but the United States and the entire Middle East are safer as a result. Just as it did when it decimated Hezbollah and eliminated Assad’s arsenals last year, Israeli daring has once again dramatically changed the region for the better.”
A TIMELY REPORT: The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is out this morning with an exhaustive analysis of the threat of nuclear coercion posed by the growing cooperation of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. The report, “Nuclear Cooperation Among the ‘Axis of Aggressors’: An Emerging Threat,” warns the U.S. faces an “unprecedented threat environment” with the four countries trading both scientific expertise and scientific expertise and key nuclear-related equipment and materials.”
“The United States and its allies may have to contend with substantial nuclear coercion — either in the form of more aggressive conventional military threats since axis members may believe the United States is deterred by the threat of nuclear escalation — or via the threat of limited nuclear strikes. Both possibilities imperil American interests and restrain U.S. freedom of action,” the report warns.
Of particular interest is a chart showing the breakout time for Iran to join the nuclear club with a nuclear weapon of its own.
“According to the Institute for Science and International Security, as of May 2025, Tehran has enough enriched uranium that — if further enriched — the regime could use to make up to 21 nuclear weapons in five months, with additional months required to weaponize the material into nuclear devices,” noted the report, which was written before yesterday’s strikes by Israel. “Iran would likely require around six months to build a so-called ‘crude’ nuclear device and has enough highly enriched uranium to fuel nearly seven weapons for such a device.”
IRAN THREATENS NUCLEAR ESCALATION AFTER UN WATCHDOG FINDS NONCOMPLIANCE
THE RUNDOWN:
Washington Examiner: Iran warns of ‘bitter, painful fate’ before launching retaliatory strike against Israel
Washington Examiner: Israel launches strikes against Iran on same day Trump objected to attacks
Washington Examiner: Iran threatens nuclear escalation after UN watchdog finds noncompliance
Washington Examiner: Netanyahu survives opposition attempt to wedge ultra-Orthodox in confidence vote
Washington Examiner: House sends $9.4 billion rescissions package to Senate after narrow victory
Washington Examiner: Cracks in Congress rupture with Padilla detainment, screaming matches, and interparty scraps
Washington Examiner: Pete Hegseth’s Capitol Hill marathon ends after three days: What you need to know
Washington Examiner: Hegseth indicates Pentagon has plans to take Greenland, Panama by force
Washington Examiner: Republicans urge ICE to prioritize arrests of illegal immigrants to those who have committed crimes
Washington Examiner: Judge orders Trump to relinquish control of National Guard to California, says deployment illegal
Washington Examiner: Ninth Circuit halts court order for Trump to return National Guard control to Newsom
Washington Examiner: South Korea seeking Chinese help improving ties with North Korea
Washington Examiner: Why Trump’s clever name game with Army bases is ‘middle finger’ to Congress
Washington Examiner: Congress sends bill to Trump that classifies fentanyl as Schedule I drug
Breaking Defense: House GOP Appropriators Pass Defense Spending Bill Defeating Dem Measures on Air Force One, Ukraine
AP: Trump’s Deployment of Troops to LA Protest Divides US Governors
Military.com: Guard Soldiers Deployed in Trump’s LA Crackdown Aren’t Getting Paid Yet
Military.com: Army Officials Pushed Back on Pop-Up MAGA Shop Ahead of Fort Bragg Trump Speech
Air & Space Forces Magazine: Pentagon May Abandon Wedgetail Buy in Favor of Navy’s Hawkeye, Satellites
Air & Space Forces Magazine: Air Force Reveals First Image of LRSO Nuclear Cruise Missile
Space News: Pentagon’s Mega-Constellation Still Hampered By Supply Chain Issues: GAO Report
Air & Space Forces Magazine: Air Force Moves Ahead with Military’s First Microreactor
Air & Space Forces Magazine: JetZero to Build Blended Wing-Body Aircraft in North Carolina
Military Times: Soldier Killed, Another Injured in Fort Campbell Helicopter Incident
The War Horse: Who’s Winning the Multibillion Dollar Battle Over Veterans Benefits?
Task & Purpose: Most Military Families On Base Don’t Know Their Rights As Tenants, Survey Finds
THE CALENDAR:
FRIDAY | JUNE 13
10 a.m. — National Institute for Deterrence Studies virtual seminar: “The Implications of a Nuclear Armed South Korea,” with retired South Korean Lt. Gen. In-Bum Chun, senior fellow, Association of the U.S. Army https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/the-implications-of-a-nuclear-armed-south-korea/
POSTPONED: 12 p.m. 2359 Rayburn — House Appropriations Committee markup of the FY 2026 Defense bill http://appropriations.house.gov
SATURDAY | JUNE 14
6:30 p.m. Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C — Grand Military Parade and Celebration honoring the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, with remarks by President Donald Trump, and featuring veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors, Gold Star Families, and patriotic Americans from across the country Tickets: https://america250.org
TUESDAY| JUNE 17
9 a.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave NW — CSIS Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency 15th Annual South China Sea Conference https://www.csis.org/events/fifteenth-annual-south-china-sea-conference
10:30 a.m. 124 Dirksen — Senate Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing: “Proposed budget estimates for FY2026 for military construction and family housing” http://appropriations.senate.gov
WEDNESDAY | JUNE 18
9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Committee hearing: “The Department of Defense Budget Request for FY2026 and the Future Years Defense Program,” with testimony from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth; Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine; and Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, performing the duties of Defense undersecretary/comptroller http://www.armed-services.senate.gov
10:30 a.m. — Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing: “A Review of the President’s FY2026 Budget Request for the Army,” with testimony from Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George http://appropriations.senate.gov
10:30 a.m. 419 Dirksen — Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing: “NATO Summit 2025: An Assessment of Transatlantic Security Cooperation.”http://foreign.senate.gov
TUESDAY | JUNE 24
TBA The Hague, Netherlands — The Netherlands hosts 2025 NATO Leaders Summit June 24-25.