This episode of Washington Week with The Atlantic, originally airing June 13, 2025, convened a panel of leading journalists to dissect a week dominated by the dramatic escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran and its profound implications for U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Guest moderator Ashley Parker of The Atlantic led the discussion with Eugene Daniels of MSNBC, Tyler Pager of The New York Times, Matt Viser of The Washington Post, and Nancy Youssef of The Wall Street Journal.
Israel-Iran Conflict Reaches Boiling Point
The central focus was the sudden eruption of open warfare between Israel and Iran. Just days prior, Israel launched a massive, surprise preemptive strike targeting critical Iranian assets, including ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear program facilities (such as enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow), air defenses, military generals (including the commander-in-chief and IRGC chief), and nuclear scientists. This aggressive move, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion,” was reportedly driven by Israel’s assessment of Iran’s accelerating path towards weaponization and a perceived lack of urgency or confidence in the Trump administration’s ongoing diplomatic negotiations for a nuclear deal. Israeli officials indicated the strikes aimed to severely degrade Iran’s capabilities, signaling that military action, not just diplomacy, was deemed necessary.
Iran swiftly retaliated with an unprecedented barrage, launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones across Israel, including direct strikes on major cities like Tel Aviv. While Israel intercepted many, dozens of ballistic missiles successfully impacted, causing injuries.
U.S. Role and President Trump’s Response
The panel explored the United States’ position in the escalating crisis. Despite President Trump previously expressing a desire for a deal and cautioning Israel against actions that could disrupt talks, the Israeli strike appears to have proceeded without direct U.S. objection. Reports suggested potential tacit approval, with President Trump speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu after the strikes and reportedly praising them. The U.S. military actively supported Israel defensively by assisting in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles, leveraging a significant regional presence of ships, aircraft, and ground-based interceptors. However, the U.S. seemed to be using fewer resources than in prior escalations, aiming to avoid being directly drawn into a wider war, while still facing risks like potential targeting of U.S. forces or entanglement if Israel struck highly sensitive targets.
The conflict presented a significant challenge to President Trump’s self-cultivated image as a “deal-maker” and “peacemaker.” The escalation happening “on his watch,” particularly after pursuing a deal with Iran, highlighted inconsistencies in his public messaging. He reportedly shifted from warning Israel to praising their strikes and blaming Iran for the breakdown of talks. Trump’s public statements, including social media posts, emphasized U.S. military strength and threatened Iran if a deal wasn’t reached. Analysis suggested Trump’s focus remained on achieving a perceived win rather than deep engagement with complex diplomatic details. His relationship with Netanyahu, while complex, appeared to involve some level of coordination, with speculation about a “green light” after Trump’s diplomatic timeline wasn’t met.
Domestically, the conflict underscored tensions within Trump’s base between traditional foreign policy hawks favoring action against Iran and “MAGA” supporters prioritizing an end to foreign entanglements. Internationally, allies reportedly exhibited confusion regarding the U.S. approach, leading some to seek independent action or new alliances.
Broader Week in Review
Beyond the Middle East crisis, the panelists likely touched upon other major events shaping the week. This included preparations for a controversial military parade in Washington D.C., timed with President Trump’s birthday and the Army’s anniversary, raising questions about cost and the politicization of the military. The week also saw ongoing protests against ICE deportations and the unprecedented deployment of federal troops, notably in Los Angeles, sparking legal challenges from state officials concerned about presidential overreach and the use of the military domestically. Other topics potentially covered included the long-standing U.S.-Mexico dispute over shared water resources and significant developments in local politics and national news from across the country.
Ultimately, this episode provided critical analysis of a pivotal moment in foreign policy, examining the breakdown of diplomatic efforts, the eruption of war, the U.S. response, and the implications for the Trump administration and global stability, alongside a roundup of other key national events from the week.
