The President’s Inbox Israel Strikes Iran, With Steven Cook
Jun 17, 2025
Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and expert on Middle East politics, discusses Israel's bold Operation Rising Lion targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. He delves into Israel's strategic military operations and the critical implications for regional stability. The conversation also touches on varied Arab perspectives regarding these actions, highlighting the shifting alliances in the Middle East. Cook illustrates how this conflict intertwines with the ongoing war with Hamas and its broader consequences.
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Israel's Dual Goals Explained
- Israel aims to significantly damage Iran's nuclear program.
- This is closely tied to weakening the ruling regime and encouraging its potential collapse.
Israeli Air Superiority Achieved
- Israel has established air superiority over Iran for sustained operations.
- They use a 'super highway' through Syria and Iraq to reach Iranian targets effectively.
Targeting Iran's Nuclear Facilities
- Israel heavily damaged Iran's Natanz enrichment facility by hitting active centrifuges.
- They targeted military-related facilities while avoiding major civilian nuclear or energy infrastructure to limit fallout.
