WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Trump Declares a Cease-Fire in the '12-Day War' Between Israel and Iran
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Jun 24, 2025 Elliot Kaufman and Kate Batchelder Odell, both editorial board members at The Wall Street Journal, dive into the latest U.S.-Iran tensions sparked by President Trump's ceasefire declaration. They analyze the implications of Iran's missile response and the effectiveness of U.S. military strikes on nuclear facilities. The discussion also touches on Israel's robust defense posture and the fragility of the Iranian regime. In a fast-paced political landscape, they explore how these developments influence U.S. credibility and stability in the region.
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Iran's Symbolic Missile Response
- Iran's missile response to US bunker-buster strikes appeared symbolic, aimed at domestic audiences.
- This restrained retaliation aligns with past Iranian behavior following targeted military actions.
US Strikes Set Back Iran Nuclear Program
- The U.S. bunker-buster strikes likely obliterated Iran's centrifuge enrichment program and severely damaged other nuclear sites.
- Some uncertainty remains about nuclear material in tunnels, but the attack is considered a major setback for Iran's bomb ambitions.
US Red Lines and Global Credibility
- The US enforcement of red lines restores credibility globally and deters adversaries.
- Trump's military actions demonstrate willingness to act decisively where previous administrations hesitated.