On this episode of Culture Brief, we break down the intense 12-day showdown between Israel and Iran—and the U.S. jumping in with surprise bombings with Operation Midnight Hammer (awesome name btw). Plus details on how the ceasefire came together, who brokered it (thanks, Qatar), and what it all means moving forward.

Plus, a rapid-fire check-in on more top headlines in politics, entertainment, sports, and pop-culture. And you’ll want to take part in a crucial debate: which casual dining chain reigns supreme? It’s geopolitical chaos, American headlines, and lighthearted banter—all through a Christian lens. Let’s get into it.

• (00:43): Israel-Iran conflict breakdown
• (02:38): US bombs Iran’s nuclear facilities
• (06:29): Ceasefire agreement and diplomatic efforts
• (10:41): Operation Midnight Hammer: Detailed breakdown
• (18:37): Were the strikes constitutional? 
• (22:13): Listener question: Were the strikes justified?
• (27:30): Biblical perspective on political conflicts
• (31:08): Listener mailbag and casual dining debate
• (34:45): Current events and sports updates
• (37:13): Upcoming political events and celebrity news

• Mailbag: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• Dr. Jim Denison: Why is Iran the world’s most dangerous regime?
• Here’s how B-2 bomber pilots pull off grueling 33-hour flights
• B-2 bombers moving to Guam amid Middle East tensions, US officials say | Reuters
• How bunker-busters and B-2 stealth bombers struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear program - ABC News
• Tuesday briefing: What you need to know about Trump’s declaration of peace between Israel and Iran | Iran | The Guardian
• Ceasefire between Israel and Iran appears to hold as Trump vents frustration with both sides
• Trump successfully pressures Israel to scale back retaliation strike in Iran
• Strike Set Back Iran’s Nuclear Program by Only a Few Months, U.S. Report Says - The New York Times
• Axios: Israeli officials see "significant" damage to Iran's nuclear facilities
• X: Net Approval: U.S. Airstrikes on Iran

Micah Tomasella is the Senior Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.