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Friday, June 13, 2025

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20 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Rioters Attack Seattle Police with Rocks, Fireworks During Pro-Illegal Immigrant Protest.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Pro-illegal immigrant riots in Seattle, Washington, escalated into violence, with fireworks, rocks, and bottles thrown at police. Fires were set, and barricades were erected.

👥 Who’s Involved: Antifa-aligned rioters, Seattle Police Department (SPD), federal agents, and local journalists.

📍 Where & When: Wednesday night, outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle, following a rally at Cal Anderson Park.

💬 Key Quote: Journalist Brandi Kruse reported, “Protesters lit off one of these massive fireworks right in the middle of the Seattle Police bike line. I would be shocked if officers didn’t get injured.”

⚠️ Impact: Eight arrests were made. Fires and vandalism disrupted downtown Seattle, requiring police and fire crews to respond under difficult conditions.

IN FULL:

Pro-illegal immigrant riots turned violent in another American city on Wednesday night, as agitators targeted police officers and federal property in downtown Seattle, Washington. The unrest, which began with a rally at Cal Anderson Park, culminated in fires, vandalism, and attacks on law enforcement near the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building.

The evening began at 7 PM with a gathering in Capitol Hill, where participants carried mass-printed signs, Mexican flags, and wore masks. Marching through Capitol Hill and First Hill, the group converged on the federal building, where tensions escalated after 9:30 PM.

By 9:45 PM, rioters, many dressed in black bloc attire, had set fires at makeshift barricades and hurled fireworks, rocks, and bottles at police. Seattle Police Department (SPD) declared the scene a “full-scale riot” and issued dispersal orders, deploying tear gas and bike lines to regain control.

“There’s a little something in the air,” journalist Brandi Kruse reported from the scene. “Protesters lit off one of these massive fireworks right in the middle of the Seattle Police bike line. I would be shocked if officers didn’t get injured.”

A dumpster fire at a nearby intersection required fire crews to respond under SPD protection, as rioters continued to throw projectiles. One man intervened to save an American flag from being burned by the crowd.

SPD confirmed eight arrests were made during the chaos. The riot followed similar unrest on Tuesday when demonstrators removed and burned American flags, barricaded driveways with scooters, and physically confronted federal agents and journalists. Two arrests were made during Tuesday’s incidents.

Authorities had warned earlier in the day that radicals might exploit the rally to commit violence or property damage. Businesses and residents in the area were advised to secure their property and remain vigilant.

The situation was brought under control by approximately 11:30 PM, with the crowd dispersed and fires extinguished. Another protest is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, with police again warning of potential disruptions and criminal activity.

SPD continues to urge the public to report real-time incidents of violence or vandalism by calling 911.

By Popular Demand.
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21 minutes ago
Crime
Immigration

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Denies Smuggling Charges in Court.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, pleaded not guilty to federal human smuggling charges after being returned to the U.S. following a protracted legal fight over his deportation to El Salvador.

👥 Who’s Involved: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes, and federal prosecutors.

📍 Where & When: Nashville, Tennessee; June 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says Abrego Garcia “abused undocumented alien females… who were under his control while transporting them,” and “solicited nude photographs and videos of a minor [and] played a role in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother.”

⚠️ Impact: The case involves allegations of human smuggling, gang affiliation, and other serious crimes, raising questions about the motivations behind the prosecution and the handling of deportation cases.

IN FULL:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, entered a not guilty plea on human smuggling charges in a Nashville courtroom last week. His case follows a controversial deportation and subsequent return to the United States after a protracted legal battle.

Abrego Garcia, who appeared in court wearing a red jumpsuit, faces accusations of participating in a years-long conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants from Texas. A federal grand jury in Tennessee indicted him on two counts: conspiracy to transport aliens and unlawful transportation of illegal immigrants. Prosecutors have also alleged that he is a member of the MS-13 gang and has been involved in violent crimes, including murder, as well as trafficking women, children, firearms, and narcotics.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi laid out the allegations last week, stating that Abrego Garcia had “abused undocumented alien females… who were under his control while transporting them,” and “solicited nude photographs and videos of a minor [and] played a role in the murder of a rival gang member’s mother.”

The Salvadoran father was initially deported in March after being detained during a traffic stop. He spent nearly three months in a Salvadoran prison. Federal judges and the Supreme Court later ordered his return to the U.S.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Abrego Garcia’s wife, addressed supporters outside the courthouse on June 13. “To all the families still fighting to be reunited… Kilmar wants you to have faith,” she said. She relayed her husband’s message of perseverance and gratitude to those advocating for his case. Notably, Vasquez Sura had previously filed for a protective order against her husband in 2021, alleging that Abrego Garcia had beaten her on several occasions.

Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes will decide whether Abrego Garcia will remain in custody as he awaits trial.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Lawfare

Appeals Court Denies Trump’s Bid to Overturn E. Jean Carroll Verdict.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected President Donald J. Trump’s bid to overturn a $5 million jury verdict that found him liable for sexual assault and defamation against writer and alleged fabulist E. Jean Carroll.

👥 Who’s Involved: Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Roberta Kaplan, Judges Steven Menashi and Michael Park.

📍 Where & When: 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Manhattan, New York, June 13, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The dissenting judges stated the panel “sanctioned striking departures” from legal precedent “to justify the irregular judgment in this case.”

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s last legal option is to petition the Supreme Court; there is no automatic right to appeal.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump‘s bid for a rehearing of E. Jean Carroll‘s defamation case against him was rejected by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday. The 2023 lawsuit saw a $5 million jury verdict that held him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming the writer and alleged fabulist. Carroll accused Trump of raping her nearly 30 years ago, a claim he has consistently denied. She has also accused at least seven other men and boys of assaulting her in unrelated cases.

Two judges on the 2nd Circuit, Steven Menashi and Michael Park—both appointed by Trump during his first term—dissented from the court’s decision not to grant an en banc rehearing. In their written dissent, the judges criticized the panel’s ruling, stating it “sanctioned striking departures” from established legal precedent “to justify the irregular judgment in this case.”

President Trump’s last opportunity to contest the Carroll verdict now lies with the Supreme Court, though there is no automatic right for the appeal to be heard at that level.

“E. Jean Carroll is very pleased with today’s decision,” said Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, following the ruling. She added: “Although President Trump continues to try every possible maneuver to challenge the findings of two separate juries, those efforts have failed. He remains liable for sexual assault and defamation.”

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
War

BREAKING: Iran Launches Missile Strikes Against Israel, Tel Aviv Hit.

Iran has launched a wave of missile strikes against Israel, following previous Israeli air strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and the leadership of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Video footage of the Iranian strikes shows Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defenses intercepting numerous projectiles, with journalists on the ground reporting seeing incoming drones as well as the missiles reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

One video appears to show an Iranian missile or missile debris striking downtown Tel Aviv, with huge plumes of smoke rising over the city’s skyscrapers. The number of casualties, if any, is unclear as of the time of publication.

This story is developing…

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Iran has launched a wave of missile strikes against Israel, following previous Israeli air strikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and the leadership of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). show more
By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Crime
Immigration

Migrants Escape Custody Amid Detention Center Riot.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: At least four migrants are missing following a disturbance at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey.

👥 Who’s Involved: Around 50 detainees reportedly participated in the unrest; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the GEO Group are linked to the facility’s operation.

📍 Where & When: The incident occurred on June 12 at Delaney Hall, Newark, New Jersey, during a disturbance over meal quality and delivery.

💬 Key Quote: “It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive and it turned violent,” said Mustafa Cetin, an attorney representing a migrant at the facility.

⚠️ Impact: Democrats are capitalizing on the riot and detainee escape.

IN FULL:

At least four illegal immigrant detainees are unaccounted for after a riot broke out at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in New Jersey. The unrest reportedly began as detainees expressed frustration over food quality and delivery, leading to a group tearing down a wall in a dormitory area. Subsequently, a number of far-left, pro-illegal immigrant demonstrators gathered outside the facility, blocking law enforcement officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from exiting to search for the detainees.

It is believed that detainees used makeshift ropes made from bedsheets to descend from a third-floor window. Mustafa Cetin, an attorney for one of the illegal immigrants, stated, “It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive, and it turned violent.” He added that the breached wall was “not very strong,” enabling the detainees to push it down.

Approximately 50 detainees are believed to have been involved in the riot.


Delaney Hall, the largest migrant detention center on the East Coast with a capacity of 1,000 beds, reopened in May under a 15-year, $1 billion contract between ICE and GEO Group. The facility has been a focal point of far-left activism, with protestors and local officials raising supposed concerns over the treatment of illegal immigrants and the privatization of detention services.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stated, “We are concerned about reports of what has transpired at Delaney Hall this evening, ranging from withholding food and poor treatment, to uprising and escaped detainees.” He called for increased oversight and transparency from GEO Group and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In May, Mayor Baraka and three Democrat members of Congress attempted to visit the facility, citing oversight rights under federal law. The visit resulted in Baraka’s brief arrest for trespassing, though the charges were later dropped. However, earlier this week, a federal grand jury indicted Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) on three federal charges for allegedly interfering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the same visit.

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By Popular Demand.
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3 hours ago
Jack Montgomery
Politics

Paxton Backs Former Deputy Aaron Reitz for Texas AG.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton endorsed his former deputy, Aaron Reitz, to replace him in the AG role, praising his MAGA credentials. Reitz has resigned from Trump’s Justice Department to run.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ken Paxton, Aaron Reitz, President Donald J. Trump, Senator Ted Cruz, and Senator John Cornyn.

📍 Where & When: Endorsement announced on June 13, 2025, with Reitz’s campaign launch following.

💬 Key Quote: “Reitz was my ‘offensive coordinator’ directing actions on border security, immigration… I’m excited Aaron is in this race!” Paxton said.

⚠️ Impact: Reitz’s candidacy strengthens Trump’s America First agenda in Texas, advancing mass deportations and other MAGA priorities.

IN FULL:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has endorsed his former deputy, Aaron Reitz, to take over the position in 2026. Reitz has stepped down from the position of United States Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy at the Trump Justice Department to run for Texas Attorney General, which Paxton is leaving to bid for a U.S. Senate seat.

“Aaron & I have fought many battles together,” Paxton said of Reitz, who worked as his Deputy Attorney General for Legal Strategy from 2020 to 2023. “Reitz was my ‘offensive coordinator’ directing actions on border security, immigration, Big Tech, energy, pro-life, Bill of Rights, & election integrity,” Paxton explained.

“I agree with President Trump: Reitz is a ‘true MAGA attorney’ & ‘warrior for our Constitution’ [and] I’m excited Aaron is in this race!”

Reitz, who has also worked as chief of staff to Texas Senator Ted Cruz, is an Afghanistan veteran and remains a serving member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, where he holds the rank of Major. If elected as Texas Attorney General, he has pledged to “accelerate the mass deportation of illegal aliens, defend the Second Amendment, protect the unborn, secure our elections, and take on leftist DAs who refuse to prosecute criminals.”

Meanwhile, Paxton’s Senate run depends on a successful primary challenge against incumbent Republican-in-name-only John Cornyn, who opposed Trump’s decision to run in 2024 and refused to challenge the lawfare prosecutions leveled against him by the Biden Justice Department and state Democrats. Cornyn also previously opposed Trump’s border wall and has been counter-signaling his second-term tariff policies.

WATCH:

Image via Aaron Reitz.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Election Integrity
Lawfare

Obama Judge Halts Trump’s Election Integrity Order.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A federal judge in Atlanta, Georgia, blocked President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order on election reforms, deeming it unconstitutional.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Democrat state attorneys general, and U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper.

📍 Where & When: The ruling was issued on Friday, June 13, 2025, following Trump’s March 25 executive order.

💬 Key Quote: The Democrat attorneys general had argued the order “usurps the States’ constitutional power and seeks to amend election law by fiat.”

⚠️ Impact: The ruling halts Trump’s proposed changes, including requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and limiting mail-in ballot acceptance.

IN FULL:

A federal judge on Friday blocked an Executive Order issued by President Donald J. Trump aimed at reforming election procedures, siding with a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general who argued the directive exceeded presidential authority. The Executive Order, signed on March 25, sought to implement significant changes to federal election processes. These included requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections, limiting acceptance of mail-in ballots to those received by Election Day, and tying federal election grants to state compliance with the new ballot deadline.

“The Constitution does not grant the President any specific powers over elections,” U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper wrote in the ruling. Responding to the Trump administration’s argument that proof of citizenship requirements were a “commonsense” requirement, Casper—appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama—contended, “there is no dispute (nor could there be) that U.S. citizenship is required to vote in federal elections and the federal voter registration forms require attestation of citizenship.”

Judge Casper’s decision halts the implementation of the order, leaving the proposed election changes in limbo. Notably, Casper determined that it is likely the Democratic attorneys general will ultimately succeed in their challenge to Trump’s Executive Order, prompting her to issue the preliminary injunction.

The National Pulse reported in April that, in a separate ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly blocked the citizenship provision in Trump’s Executive Order, while leaving two other components of the presidential directive intact. These include a provision for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State to provide the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with data to aid it in identifying noncitizens currently on voting rolls. The other measure instructs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate legal action against state governments that ignore a Trump administration requirement that mail-in ballots be received before or on election day to be counted.

Image by Chris Phan.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
NatSec

Trump Pursues ‘New Golden Age’ With Japan, Ramps Up China Nuclear Deterrence.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The U.S. and Japan held talks on America’s extended deterrence, focusing on nuclear and missile defense amidst China’s military expansion.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. State Department, Pentagon, Japanese foreign and defense ministries, Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C.

📍 Where & When: Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, June 5-6, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “This [EDD] advanced President Trump’s determination to pursue a new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations,” a U.S. State Department official said.

⚠️ Impact: Strengthened U.S.-Japan defense ties and extended deterrence against growing threats from China and North Korea.

IN FULL:

The United States and Japan recently convened for an Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on June 5 and 6, 2025, to discuss strategic defense measures amidst China’s escalating military advancements. The talks focused on America’s extended deterrence, often referred to as the “nuclear umbrella,” which commits the U.S. to defend Japan and over 30 other allies against nuclear and non-nuclear threats.

The U.S. delegation included representatives from the State Department and the Pentagon, while Japan was represented by officials from its foreign and defense ministries, as well as the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C. The discussions, hosted by the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, examined nuclear and missile defense strategies, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to bolstering regional security.

A U.S. State Department official described the dialogue as advancing President Donald J. Trump’s vision of a “new golden age” in U.S.-Japan relations. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command emphasized the strength of America’s alliances, stating, “Our network of allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match.”

The Japanese delegation toured the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command’s training facilities and examined the B-52H strategic bomber fleet, a key component of America’s nuclear triad. The U.S. operates 76 B-52H bombers, 46 of which are capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles. Last month, some of these bombers were deployed to Guam, a critical U.S. military hub in the Pacific.

The EDD, established in 2010, has become a cornerstone of U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, with recent meetings held at key sites within the U.S. nuclear triad. Last year, Japanese officials visited Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming to observe the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission.

As China continues its rapid nuclear expansion—now estimated to possess over 600 warheads, the third-largest arsenal globally—the U.S. is also expected to enhance its extended deterrence commitments to South Korea to counter North Korea‘s growing nuclear and missile threats.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
Economy
War

Oil Prices Spike, Stocks Fall After Israeli Strikes on Iran.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Oil prices surged while global stocks fell after Israel conducted strikes on Iran’s military officials and nuclear facilities.

👥 Who’s Involved: Israel, Iran, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, and global financial markets.

📍 Where & When: Strikes occurred early Friday local time in Iran; market reactions followed globally.

💬 Key Quote: “The IEA is actively monitoring the impact on oil markets from the Israel-Iran situation. Markets are well supplied today, but we’re ready to act if needed,” said Fatih Birol, director of the IEA.

⚠️ Impact: Brent crude oil prices rose over eight percent, stocks dropped by more than one percent in premarket trading, and gold reached its highest price in a month.

IN FULL:

Oil prices surged on Friday following Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military officials and nuclear facilities. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped over eight percent, reaching nearly $74 per barrel, its highest level since early April.

Global stock markets reacted sharply, with major indexes falling over one percent in premarket trading before recovering slightly as investors gauged the broader implications of the conflict. Gold prices also climbed more than one percent, hitting a monthly high of $3,440 an ounce, while Bitcoin slipped nearly one percent to below $105,000. U.S. bond prices showed minimal movement.

The strikes, which occurred early Friday local time in Iran, were described by Israeli officials as part of a “lengthy operation.” President Donald J. Trump warned there was “much more to come” and urged Iran to negotiate a deal. Iran responded by launching drones toward Israel and issuing threats against U.S. assets in the region.

The sudden spike in oil prices has raised concerns about potential impacts on consumer gasoline costs, especially given the possibility of a broader Middle East conflict, which could disrupt global energy supplies. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA)—created to counteract global oil supply disruptions—stated on Friday that it has over 1.2 billion barrels in its emergency stocks.

“The IEA is actively monitoring the impact on oil markets from the Israel-Iran situation. Markets are well supplied today, but we’re ready to act if needed,” said Fatih Birol, director of the IEA, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Image via Chatham House.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
News
War

Trump to Hold Meeting on Israel-Iran Crisis in Situation Room.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Israel launched significant military strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear sites and key officials.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian leadership.

📍 Where & When: Strikes occurred Thursday evening in Iran; Trump responded Friday morning from the White House.

💬 Key Quote: “We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it… They got hit about as hard as you’re going to get hit. And there’s more to come. A lot more,” said President Trump.

⚠️ Impact: High-ranking Iranian officials and nuclear scientists killed; Iran refuses further nuclear peace talks and blames the U.S. for Israel’s actions.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump responded Friday morning to Israel’s military strikes on Iran, calling the operation a success and warning of potential further action. Speaking to the media, Trump stated, “We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it. They got hit hard, very hard… And there’s more to come. A lot more.” He is expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room at around 11 AM to discuss the situation.

The strikes, which occurred Thursday evening, targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear site and reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian officials, including military commanders Mohammad Bagheri, Hossein Salami, Gholamali Rashid, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh. Two prominent Iranian nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranji, are also believed to have been killed.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, serving as Trump’s point man on the conflict, clarified that the strikes were “unilateral” actions by Israel and that the U.S. was not directly involved. Rubio emphasized, “Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” while warning Iran against targeting U.S. personnel.

Iranian state media condemned the strikes, accusing the United States of coordinating with Israel. “The Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran cannot have been carried out without the coordination and authorization of the United States,” stated Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

Trump, who monitored the strikes overnight from the White House, told Fox News he had prior knowledge of Israel’s plans but chose not to intervene. He reiterated his stance that “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb” and expressed hope for renewed negotiations, despite Iran’s announcement that it would not participate in future peace talks.

The president’s social media posts reflected a mix of warnings and calls for diplomacy. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left… JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” he wrote. Trump also blamed Iranian hardliners for failed negotiations, stating, “Certain Iranian hardliners… didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!”

Special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to attend peace talks in Oman on Sunday, though Iran’s refusal to engage casts doubt on potential progress.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Wake Up Right
War

Israel Strikes Iran.

Israel carried out a coordinated preemptive strike on Iran Thursday night, targeting key nuclear targets as it attempts to prevent the Islamic nation from acquiring a nuclear bomb.

The details: Dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” the strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, military leadership, nuclear scientists, and weapons facilities.

  • 200 Israeli jets struck over 100 targets in five waves, including Iran’s Natanz and Parchin nuclear facilities.
  • Iranian Generals Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri were killed in an underground bunker.
  • Top nuclear scientists working on bomb components were also reportedly killed.

Covert ops: WSJ reports that Israel’s Mossad spy agency smuggled explosive drones and other weapons into Iran, which they used to take out air defense systems, helping clear a path for Israel’s war planes.

Iran responded by firing over 100 retaliatory drones, but most were intercepted. The regime vowed revenge, posting on X: “Blood for blood.”

What is Netanyahu saying? The Israeli Prime Minister released a video which said:

  • “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat… In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium to produce nine atom bombs.”

Was the U.S. involved? Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement:

  • “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.”

What is Trump saying? This morning, the President wrote on Truth Social:

  • “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal… Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse! … Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction.”

Back up: For weeks, there have been reports that the Trump administration had told Israel not to attack Iran while there was a possibility of a negotiated peace deal. However, according to Trump: “I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to ‘make a deal.’ They should have done it! Today is day 61.”

Zoom out: This is not the first highly coordinated attack Israel has carried out recently. In September, they covertly sold explosive-laden pagers and walkie‑talkies to Hezbollah and detonated them remotely, killing ~42 militants and injuring thousands.

Real talk from G: There are voices on the right, like Tucker Carlson, who oppose U.S. military action in Iran. I also oppose this. But I have no problem with Israel doing what they believe is in their best interest as long as it is not undermining the Trump administration’s attempts to negotiate peace. And according to reports, they had “a clear U.S. green light.”

The last word goes to Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec, who wrote on X: “Never seen a military operation like this. If reports are accurate, a complete decapitation strike. Targeted assassinations of the entire General Staff”

Be sure to subscribe to the Wake Up Right newsletter! 

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Israel carried out a coordinated preemptive strike on Iran Thursday night, targeting key nuclear targets as it attempts to prevent the Islamic nation from acquiring a nuclear bomb. show more
By Popular Demand.
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