Trump Hammers Iran. What Comes Next?

Chris, Zack, and Melanie get together to discuss the very rapidly
moving events in the Middle East following the execution of
Operation Midnight Hammer. Why did President Trump decide to move
from negotiating with Iran to ordering the strikes on the
country’s nuclear facilities? Is this a case of alliance
entrapment, or is it an example of an “America First” foreign
policy? Is this the beginning of another long slog for America in
the Middle East? Even though he has Republican majorities in the
House and Senate, President Trump did not seek congressional
authorization for the mission. Was he constitutionally required
to do so? What are the most likely near- and medium-term outcomes
of the American and Israeli strikes?


There are grievances for Democrats who didn’t object to the
unauthorized exercise of war powers by Presidents Obama and Biden
but are suddenly relocating their constitutional scruples with a
Republican now at the helm, a video message on nuclear weapons by
DNI Tulsi Gabbard that may serve to undermine US extended
deterrence, and the increasing violence against government
officials and lack of security for them.


Attas go to the Institute for Global Affairs for new analysis of
several countries’ perceptions of national security threats and
priorities, to the United States Armed Forces for the brilliantly
executed Operation Midnight Hammer, and to the United States
Studies Centre for a fantastic workshop on integrated air and
missile defense. 
Show Links:             
                 
                 
                 
 

“Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor Regarding His War Powers
Resolution to Prevent War with Iran,” June 17, 2025


Eloise Cassier, Jonathan Guyer, Lucas Robinson, Ransom Miller,
“2025 International Public Opinion Survey," Institute for Global
Affairs, June 12,
2052                                                                                                                                      


Evan Cooper, Christopher Preble, Alessandro Perri, “Restraint
Towards Iran Serves US Interests,” Stimson Center, June 18, 2025


Alice Hunt Friend, Melanie Marlowe, Christopher Preble, “Debating
the AUMFs,” Net Assessment, February 6, 2020


Patrick Kingsley, Adam Rasgon, Ronen Bergman, Natan Odenheimer,
Julian E. Barnes, “Will Israel’s Interceptors Outlast Iran’s
Missiles? The Answer May Shape the War,” New York Times, June 19,
2025.


Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman, Mark Mazzetti, Ronen Bergman,
“How Trump Shifted on Iran Under Pressure from Israel,” New York
Times, June 17, 2025.


Darya Dolzikova and Matthew Savill, “Operation Rising Lion: The
First 72 Hours,” Royal United Services Institute, June 16, 2025.


Joint Resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed
Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran that
have not been authorized by Congress, June 2025.


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