Concerns Rise Over Possible Iranian Retaliation
On a podcast Tuesday, Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, shared his thoughts about potential Iranian actions in response to a recent US military strike. The discussion revolved around the implications of the US attacking three Iranian nuclear program sites over the weekend. Hanson, alongside co-host Jack Fowler, debated President Trump’s decision to counter Iran’s activities.
“What will Iran do now? The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, but the US Navy has that covered. It’s, well, essentially a terrorist haven,” Hanson noted. He expressed his hope that there wouldn’t be fatalities, adding, “If an Iranian terrorist starts targeting Americans in the US, then Trump’s response would be quite severe.”
He continued, suggesting that Trump wouldn’t differentiate between Iranian nationals holding green cards or tourist visas, indicating they’d likely be sent home. “And the entire diplomatic corps? Gone,” he remarked, although he added, “I don’t believe this will actually happen.”
Prior to the strike, two US officials indicated in an NBC News segment that Iran had threatened to activate sleeper cells within the United States. Following the military action, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement saying there was currently no “specific, reliable threat” to the US, though they highlighted that the ongoing geopolitical tensions could elevate risks, including cyberattacks and violence.
DHS Chief Christa Noem emphasized the agency’s commitment to keeping the nation safe, particularly in light of rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
Just two days after the US strike, reports surfaced that Iran retaliated against a US Air Force base in Qatar. By Monday evening, Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, effectively halting the conflict that had escalated since June 12th.
However, reports indicated that violations occurred shortly after the ceasefire began, with missiles reportedly launched by Iran afterward. Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, Trump remarked that he was unsure about the ongoing actions from both nations.
