The Daily Will the U.S. Join Israel’s War With Iran?
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Jun 18, 2025 
Jonathan Swan, a White House reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. He discusses President Trump's shifting stance, weighing last-chance diplomacy against military options. The conversation highlights rising tensions and the risks of military escalation, particularly from Israel's perspective on Iran’s nuclear threat. Swan also sheds light on the implications of Trump's decision-making and the congressional debates surrounding military intervention, raising crucial questions about U.S. foreign policy.
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Trump's Dual-Track Iran Policy
- Trump's stance on Iran evolved over months, balancing diplomacy and pressure against nuclear ambitions.
- He authorized diplomacy to prevent war but remained firm that Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon.
Netanyahu's Unusual Gift to Trump
- Netanyahu gave Trump a gold-plated pager as a gift symbolizing a covert attack on Hezbollah.
- Trump found the gift disturbing and refused to provide bombs for an Israeli strike at that time.
Trump Seeks Iran Diplomacy
- Trump pursued back-channel talks and even wrote a direct letter to the Ayatollah seeking a deal.
- Negotiations advanced towards a potential agreement banning uranium enrichment but Iran rejected it.