U.S. Calls for Peace as Region Braces for Further Escalation

Latest Developments

• Trump Tells Tehran, ‘Make Peace’: President Donald Trump advised Iranian leaders to “make peace” following his announcement that the U.S. Air Force had conducted strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites. If Iran did not come to the negotiating table, “future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” he warned during a nighttime address from the White House on June 21.
• Hegseth Highlights Iranian ‘Stonewalling’: Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Dan Caine and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the strikes “devastated” the Iranian nuclear weapons program during a press briefing at the Pentagon. Hegseth made clear that the United States did not target Iranian troops or civilians. He emphasized as well that Trump allowed Iran 60 days to negotiate a nuclear deal with the United States but was met with Iranian “stonewalling.” “When POTUS says 60 days … he means 60 days,” Hegseth said.
• Iranian Regime Weighs Closing the Strait of Hormuz: On June 22, the Iranian parliament approved a measure authorizing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments transit through the strait, meaning that an Iranian blockade of this maritime chokepoint could have a significant impact on the global economy. Despite the parliamentary vote, the final decision on implementation will be made by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

FDD Expert Response

“Trump’s enforcement of red lines is refreshing. The United States faces no shortage of dangers in the world, and the Axis of Aggressors — including China, Russia, and Iran — have built an unholy alliance to challenge the U.S. and its allies. With the flawless attacks on the Iranian nuclear program, the White House has demonstrated that the president’s patience is finite.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

“Through a coordinated regional buildup and a well-executed strike on Iran’s most hardened nuclear facilities, the Department of Defense and the White House have favorably positioned the U.S. to defend itself against any retaliatory strikes by Iran. Iran may still choose to target international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but doing so would sever its petroleum trade with China, its largest revenue source, and risk the destruction of its Navy. The strike by the U.S. and continued bombing campaign by Israel will force Iran to seek a negotiated ceasefire or contemplate losing large swaths of its military forces.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Congressional Relations at FDD Action

FDD Background and Analysis

“Iranian and Iranian-Backed Attacks Against Americans (1979-Present),” by Tzvi Kahn

“‘Completely and Totally Obliterated’: U.S. Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities, Including Underground Fordow Enrichment Site,” FDD Flash Brief

“US strikes Iranian nuclear facilities,” by Bill Roggio