Today, Morgan, Martha, Les, and Jess discuss Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion—a sweeping strike against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, long-range missile sites, air defenses, and senior IRGC leadership. As the U.S. pulled personnel from the region, raising questions about prior coordination, President Trump claimed he had warned Iran of the consequences of refusing a deal. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. was not involved, calling the Israeli strikes a unilateral action.

With the situation still unfolding, is the region now on the brink of a broader war? What does this strike mean for U.S. influence in the Middle East—and for the safety of American personnel on the ground? And has diplomacy with Iran reached a final breaking point, or is there still time to pull back from escalation?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussion: 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-embassy-iraq-preparing-ordered-evacuation-due-heightened-security-risks-2025-06-11/ 

https://time.com/7293392/us-embassy-iraq-iran/ 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/06/11/us-israel-iran-attack-fears/ 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c629yk5z07vo 

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@morganlroach 

@marthamillerdc

@lestermunson 

@NotTVJessJones

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