Oops! Iran’s long-range missiles cause Netanyahu to threaten war while Trump bolts

Iran just launched long-range missiles. It marks an escalation of the conflict beyond the Middle East, with two 4,000-kilometer-range ballistic missiles targeting the U.S.-UK military base, Diego Garcia. One failed on its path, and a US ship fired an interceptor for the second.

Per Reuters, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir confirmed the launch, cautioning that they pose a serious threat, as their range extends to major European capitals. “Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range,” he said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously suggested his country’s military limit its ballistic missile range to 2,000 kilometers.

Now, this is a bit of speculation on my part, since there is no official confirmation, but the timing lines up. You see, these strikes were just the start of an eventful 24 hours. Not long after this failed attack, President Trump took to Truth Social, saying, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.” 

You have to admit it is a sudden shift to all of his usual threats and bluster

Trump also insisted that other countries should take the lead in policing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane whose near-closure could trigger a global energy shock. Despite President Trump’s talk of winding down, U.S. Marines and heavy landing craft are still heading to the region.

In what looks like a reaction to these very same missiles, Iranian media reported that U.S.-Israeli forces attacked the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan Natanz enrichment complex, which the Iranians were attempting to rebuild. Thankfully, technical experts found no radioactive leaks, and nearby residents were not at risk. Israel stated it was unaware of such a strike, while the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed an investigation was underway. 

Iran, however, did retaliate, striking the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad. The IRGC stated that they targeted “military installations” and security centers in southern Israel. Dimona is located about 13 kilometers southeast of Israel’s secretive nuclear reactor. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, an Israeli army spokesperson, posted on X that the country’s air defenses were operational but did not intercept the incoming strikes. 

He added that an investigation into the incident would be conducted to learn from it. Following the strike on Arad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement from his office, calling it “a very difficult evening in the battle for our future.” He affirmed Israel’s determination to “continue striking our enemies on all fronts.”

For the first time, since this war began, Israel and US are making such differing statements. Sure, with Trump, you never know; he changes his mind on a dime. However, this is the first time there has been a mention of a de-escalation. 

Then again, he has been particularly reactive about the Strait of Hormuz. So Trump has already issued a new threat against Iran.