Israel’s military warns people to evacuate the area around Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor
Associated PressJUN 20
Trump Denies Report He Approved Plan to Attack Iran
Above: Smoke billows from Soroka Hospital in Beersheba in southern Israel following an Iranian missile attack on June 19, 2025. Image copyright: John Wessels/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Trump is playing his cards close to his chest. Given the possibility of U.S. action against Iran, the president is correct to withhold information that could give America's adversaries time to prepare for and counter U.S. strategies. In the meantime, Iran should negotiate to surrender its nuclear program to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's efforts against the Iranian regime are dismantling the country's offensive infrastructure one step at a time. The latest strikes on the Arak reactor and a nuclear weapons facility have significantly set back the regime's nuclear program and its ability to strike Israeli civilians. Israel will wage its campaign until Iran no longer poses a threat to Israeli security.
Pro-Iran narrative
The Islamic Republic of Iran has never kowtowed to U.S. pressure and will not start to do so now. Trump's belligerent rhetoric and shameful threats towards Iran and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei only strengthen Iran's resolve not to negotiate or acquiesce to an unfavorable peace under duress. Iran will instead respond to any threat or action against it in equal measure.