[Monday, June 23] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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1. The U.S.-Iran Escalation

1.1 Iranian Retaliatory Attacks and Conflicting Reports

The central event of this reporting cycle is Iran’s direct military retaliation for U.S. strikes. Tehran launched a significant missile assault targeting U.S. military installations in both Qatar and Iraq [1]. This action followed explicit threats from Iran to retaliate for the U.S. bombing of its nuclear sites. Shortly after the launch, explosions were reported over Doha, the capital of Qatar [2], triggering an immediate security alert from the U.S. Embassy there, which urged American citizens to shelter in place [3].

Initial reports from U.S. defense sources, later confirmed by the Qatari government, indicated a successful interception of the incoming projectiles by allied air defense systems [4, 5]. In the aftermath, Iranian state-affiliated media declared the strike “mighty and successful,” even as Qatar claimed the assault was thwarted [6]. Adding a layer of complexity, a user-submitted report citing The New York Times suggests that Iran may have coordinated with the Qatari government, providing advance warning of the attack, reportedly to minimize casualties [7]. This suggests a potential attempt by Iran to signal resolve while seeking to avoid a full-scale, casualty-heavy escalation.

[1] Iran fires missiles toward US bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for Trump strikes on nuclear sites, https://nypost.com/2025/06/23/world-news/iran-fires-missiles-toward-us-bases-in-qatar-and-iraq-reports/

[2] Explosions heard over Qatar capital Doha after Iran threat to retaliate for US strikes, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-weighs-retaliation-against-us-strikes-nuclear-sites-2025-06-23/

[3] US embassy Qatar warning tells Americans to shelter in place | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/americans-qatar-told-shelter-place-iranian-military-threatens-action-against-us-interests

[4] U.S. Air Defenses Intercept Iranian Missiles In Qatar, https://www.dailywire.com/news/live-updates-israel-strikes-iran

[5] BREAKING: Qatar confirms they successfully thwarted Iranian attack on US airbase!, https://v.redd.it/nxveqrwdzp8f1

[6] BREAKING: Iran says its carried out ‘mighty and successful’ attack on US base - as Qatar air defences ’thwart assault’, https://news.sky.com/story/iran-says-its-carried-out-mighty-and-successful-attack-on-us-bases-as-qatar-air-defences-thwart-assault-13387642

[7] Iran coordinated its attacks on US air base in Qatar with the Qatari government, giving advanced notice to minimize casualties - NYT, /r/Conservative/comments/1lin7dz/iran_coordinated_its_attacks_on_us_air_base_in/

1.2 Contradictory Ceasefire Announcement

In a major, yet unverified, development, President Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been agreed upon by both nations [1, 2]. This announcement was immediately reported as breaking news, suggesting a potential de-escalation of the wider regional conflict.

However, the President’s claim is directly and forcefully contradicted. A subsequent user-submitted report from the platform X.com, citing a source described as “close to the Islamic regime in Iran,” states that the regime “completely denies the end of the war and the ceasefire” [3]. The conflicting nature of these reports, delivered via different media channels, creates extreme uncertainty. At present, the status of any ceasefire is officially disputed, and there is no independent confirmation of an agreement.

[1] Trump: Israel and Iran agree to ceasefire, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114734934153569653

[2] BREAKING: Trump Announces Major Ceasefire News, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/06/23/breaking-trump-ceasefire-n2659330

[3] “⚠️BREAKING: A source close to the Islamic regime in Iran completely denies the end of the war and the ceasefire between Israel and Iran.”, https://x.com/VividProwess/status/1937279851297145294

1.3 Context of U.S. Strikes and Nuclear Dimensions

Reporting provides additional context on the U.S. action that initiated this crisis. The strikes were reportedly carried out by B-2 Spirit bombers using specialized Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) to target Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear facility [1]. This demonstrates a high level of strategic planning aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear program. A senator, whose name was not provided in the headline, later revealed that U.S. intelligence confirmed Iran had failed to move its sensitive nuclear materials before the strike occurred, suggesting the U.S. attack achieved significant strategic surprise and effectiveness [2].

On a related note, Iran has reportedly issued direct threats against the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency. This intimidation appears to be a response to the agency’s role in revealing the extent of Iran’s illicit uranium enrichment activities preceding the U.S. strikes, highlighting the high stakes surrounding international inspections and intelligence [3].

[1] Inside the B-2 Spirit Bomber Mission to Cripple Iran’s Nuclear Dreams - and the MOPs Dropped on Fordow, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/06/22/inside-the-b-2-spirit-bomber-mission-to-cripple-irans-nuclear-dreams-and-the-mops-dropped-on-fordow/

[2] U.S. Intel Confirms Iran Failed to Move Nuclear Materials Before Trump Strikes, Senator Reveals, https://www.dailywire.com/news/u-s-intel-confirms-iran-failed-to-move-nuclear-materials-before-trump-strikes-senator-reveals

[3] Iran Threatens Head of U.N. Nuclear Agency for Revealing Extent of Illicit Enrichment, https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/23/iran-threatens-head-of-u-n-nuclear-agency-for-revealing-extent-of-illicit-enrichment/

1.4 International Reactions

The U.S. strikes have provoked strong reactions globally. Iran’s Foreign Minister issued an official warning that Washington is “solely responsible” for any “everlasting consequences” stemming from its actions [1]. Russia’s reaction was particularly stark, with Moscow warning that the U.S. has opened a “Pandora’s box” that could lead to a nuclear disaster [2]. Despite this rhetoric, there are indications of diplomatic maneuvering. Russian official Medvedev reportedly retracted a public threat to supply nuclear weapons to Iran after a direct rebuke from President Trump [3]. Furthermore, one report suggests Russian President Putin is deliberately avoiding a direct intervention in the crisis in a bid to appease the Trump administration [4].

Meanwhile, regional ally Israel has reportedly carried out its own significant strikes against unspecified Iranian targets, delivering what one headline called “another big message” and indicating a widening of the conflict zone [5]. The crisis has also fueled speculation about the stability of the Iranian regime itself, with one unconfirmed report claiming that high-level Iranian officials are considering a plot to remove Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from power [6].

[1] Iranian FM issues warning to U.S. Washington is “solely responsible”for the “everlasting consequences” of its aggression., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1936932025870557459?s=46

[2] Russia warns US strikes on Iran opened ‘Pandora’s box,’ suggests world could be on verge of nuclear disaster, https://nypost.com/2025/06/23/us-news/russia-warns-us-has-opened-pandoras-box-with-strike-on-iran/

[3] Medvedev After Trump Rebuke: On Second Thought, We Won’t Supply Nukes to Iran, https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2025/06/23/medvedev-on-second-thought-we-wont-supply-nukes-to-iran-n3804093

[4] Putin ‘avoiding’ Russian intervention in Iran to appease Trump, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/23/putin-avoiding-iran-intervention-to-appease-trump/

[5] Boom: Israel Delivers Another Big Message to Iran With What It Just Hit in Major Strikes, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/06/23/israel-just-delivered-another-big-message-to-iran-with-what-they-hit-in-latest-strike-n2190784

[6] Iranian officials consider removing Ali Khamenei in plot to replace supreme leader - report, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-858625

1.5 Homeland Security Concerns

The foreign conflict has direct implications for domestic security. The Department of Homeland Security has issued a formal warning about the potential for retaliatory attacks on U.S. soil, with the report linking the threat to “years of open borders” [1]. Echoing this concern, Senator Tom Cotton stated that Americans are “right to be concerned” about the possibility of Iranian “sleeper cells” embedded within the country [2]. An anecdotal user post from X.com claims these cells are already active and visible, asserting: “They’re on college campuses openly chanting for intifada. They’re on the streets supporting the Iranian regime” [3].

[1] DHS warns of attacks stateside after Iran bombings, years of open borders, https://www.theblaze.com/news/dhs-warns-of-attacks-stateside-after-iran-bombings-years-of-open-borders

[2] Cotton: Americans ‘Right to Be Concerned’ About Iranian Sleeper Cells Embedded in the U.S., https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/06/23/cotton-americans-right-to-be-concerned-about-iranian-sleeper-cells-embedded-in-the-u-s/

[3] “The "sleeper cells" are not so sleepy any longer. They’re on college campuses openly chanting for intifada. They’re on the streets supporting the Iranian regime, Hamas, Hezbollah. They’re running for political office in large cities. They’re taking over without firing a shot.”, https://x.com/NizNellie3/status/1937109262020333817

1.6 Domestic Political Response

The administration’s actions have drawn polarized reactions domestically. President Trump has framed the policy in transformational terms, hinting at a goal of regime change with the slogan “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN” [1]. This has been lauded by conservative commentators like Mark Levin [2], with others calling the strikes “spectacular” [3]. In an unusual development, the action also drew a defense from MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough [4].

Conversely, some Democrats have reportedly condemned the strikes as unconstitutional, a claim prominently analyzed by legal scholar Jonathan Turley [5]. This has sparked a debate over executive authority, with supporters of the administration’s action countering that the strikes do not violate the War Powers Act [6]. This division highlights the deep political fault lines exposed by the crisis.

[1] Trump hints at regime change in Iran while declaring ‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN’ after US strikes, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-hints-regime-change-iran-while-declaring-make-iran-great-again-after-us-strikes

[2] Mark Levin touts Trump after US strikes Iran nuclear sites: ‘Tremendous leader’, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6374705160112

[3] Miranda Devine: Trump’s ‘spectacular’ Iran strike could carve his place in history as most courageous leader since Ronald Reagan, https://nypost.com/2025/06/22/opinion/miranda-devine-trumps-spectacular-iran-strike-could-carve-his-place-in-history-as-most-courageous-leader-since-ronald-reagan/

[4] MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough defends Trump’s strikes on Iran, https://nypost.com/2025/06/23/media/msnbcs-joe-scarborough-defends-trumps-strikes-on-iran/

[5] The Claude Rains School of Constitutional Law: Democrats Denounce Iranian Attack as Unconstitutional, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/06/22/the-claude-rains-school-of-constitutional-law-democrats-denounce-iranian-attack-as-unconstitutional/

[6] No, Trump Didn’t Violate the War Powers Act — The unhinged Democrats making that claim obviously haven’t read the statute., https://spectator.org/no-trump-didnt-violate-the-war-powers-act/

2. U.S. Domestic Policy and Legal Affairs

2.1 Supreme Court and Immigration Rulings

The Supreme Court issued two significant rulings. In a major decision on immigration policy, the Court has allowed the Trump administration to “swiftly deport migrants to third countries,” effectively lifting prior restrictions on the practice [1]. The ruling was not unanimous and reportedly prompted a “scathing dissent” from the court’s liberal justices, signaling deep ideological divisions on the bench over this issue [2].

Separately, another Supreme Court decision, referred to in headlines only as the “Skrmetti ruling,” is reportedly beginning to reshape the landscape of U.S. legal cases [3]. The headlines do not provide sufficient detail to assess the specific substance, legal reasoning, or practical impact of this ruling.

[1] Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Swiftly Deport Migrants to Third Countries, https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/supreme-court-allows-trump-administration-to-swiftly-deport-migrants-to-third-countries-fad2d4f6?

[2] Supreme Court lifts third country deportation limits; liberals pen scathing dissent, https://fox2now.com/hill-politics/supreme-court-lifts-third-country-deportation-limits-liberals-pen-scathing-dissent/

[3] How the Supreme Court Skrmetti ruling reshapes US legal cases, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/supreme-court/3449398/how-the-supreme-court-skrmetti-ruling-reshapes-us-legal-cases/

2.2 Border Enforcement and Legal Challenges

At the federal level, the Department of Justice has signaled its support for a California sheriff who is mounting a legal challenge against the state’s sanctuary law [1]. In a specific judicial proceeding, a federal magistrate judge denied a government motion to detain an alleged MS-13 gang member identified as Kilmar Abrego Garcia, allowing for his release [2]. In infrastructure news, a new immigration detention facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is reportedly set to open in Florida in July [3].

[1] DOJ backs California sheriff fighting state’s ‘illegal’ sanctuary law - Washington Examiner, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3450224/doj-backs-california-sheriff-fighting-state-illegal-sanctuary-law/

[2] Federal judge denies detention for alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia, https://www.foxnews.com/us/federal-judge-denies-detention-alleged-ms-13-gang-member-kilmar-abrego-garcia.amp

[3] Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility Will Apparently Open in July, https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/south-florida-alligator-alcatraz-to-open-in-july-23485778

3. U.S. Politics and Elections

3.1 Intra-Party Political Tensions

The Iran crisis appears to be creating fissures within the Republican Party. Following public criticism of the strikes, President Trump vocally denounced Republican Massie as “not MAGA” and vowed to support a primary challenger, stating “MAGA doesn’t want him” [1, 2]. This represents a direct confrontation with a sitting member of his own party over foreign policy. In a separate development signaling potential instability in the GOP’s Senate majority, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is reportedly considering leaving the Republican party to become an Independent [3].

[1] Trump slams Republican Massie as ’not MAGA’ following congressman’s criticism of Iran strikes, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-slams-republican-massie-not-maga-following-congressmans-criticism-iran-strikes

[2] Trump goes nuclear on Republican after Iran war powers slapdown, vows to back primary foe: ‘MAGA doesn’t want him’, https://nypost.com/2025/06/22/us-news/trump-goes-nuclear-on-republican-after-iran-war-powers-slapdown-vows-to-back-primary-foe-maga-doesnt-want-him/

[3] New: Lisa Murkowski Considers Bailing on GOP, Turning Independent, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/06/23/new-lisa-murkowski-considers-bailing-on-gop-turning-independent-n2190813

3.2 Early Look at Future Electoral Contests

Preliminary maneuvering for future elections is being reported. A report claims that former Vice President Kamala Harris is considering a run for Governor of California, which would mark her re-entry into electoral politics [1]. On the East Coast, a poll in a New York City primary reportedly shows Zohran Mamdani with a lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a ranked-choice contest [2].

[1] Report: Kamala Harris Considering Jumping into California Gubernatorial Race, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/22/report-kamala-harris-considering-jumping-california-gubernatorial-race/

[2] Poll shows Zohran Mamdani overtaking Andrew Cuomo in NYC’s ranked choice primary, https://nypost.com/2025/06/23/us-news/poll-shows-mamdani-overtaking-cuomo-in-nycs-ranked-choice-primary/

4. Economic, Energy, and Technology Flashpoints

4.1 Strategic Competition and Economic Pressures

Reporting highlights growing economic and technological friction points. In a strategic move to counter Beijing’s dominance, the U.S. is reportedly accelerating its efforts in deep-sea mining to secure an independent supply of critical minerals [1]. At the same time, a report alleges that major U.S. technology firms are deriving revenue from business with “Chinese military companies” that have documented links to the Uyghur genocide, creating a potential conflict between business interests and human rights policy [2].

On the domestic front, there are concerns of a potential energy price shock, with one unconfirmed, user-submitted report warning that the shutdown of two refineries could drive gas prices as high as $8 per gallon [3]. In the financial technology sector, large banking institutions are reportedly positioning themselves in opposition to the Trump administration’s policy vision for cryptocurrency, indicating a looming regulatory battle [4].

[1] US Ramps Up Deep-Sea Mining Efforts to Challenge China’s Control Over Critical Minerals, https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/06/us-ramps-up-deep-sea-mining-efforts-to-challenge-chinas-control-over-critical-minerals/

[2] Big Tech collects revenue from Uyghur genocide-linked ‘Chinese military companies’, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/3448794/big-tech-chinese-military-revenue/

[3] Gas prices could hit $8/gallon as two refineries shut down, /r/Conservative/comments/1liiwxo/gas_prices_could_hit_8gallon_as_two_refineries/

[4] Big Banks Have Trump’s Vision for Crypto in the Crosshairs, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/06/23/big-banks-have-trumps-vision-for-crypto-in-the-crosshairs/

5. Social and Institutional Controversies

5.1 Cultural Debates and Institutional Responses

Several disparate social and institutional controversies have been reported. A report indicates that the number of abortions in the U.S. is rising, attributing the increase to the expansion of telehealth services for medication abortion [1].

In academia, Georgetown University issued a statement that it was “appalled” by comments from one of its department chairs, Islamic Studies Professor Jonathan Brown. Brown was quoted as saying, “I hope Iran does some symbolic strike on a base” in response to the U.S. action [2]. Similarly, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reportedly posted and then deleted a message offering “condolences for Iran nuclear strikes,” an action that drew significant criticism online before it was removed [3]. On the subject of media, a report citing experts claims there is a “recurring trend” on the platform Wikipedia of demoting pro-Israel content [4].

[1] Report: Number of Abortions Increasing in U.S. due to Telehealth, https://www.breitbart.com/health/2025/06/23/report-number-abortions-increasing-u-s-due-telehealth/

[2] Georgetown University ‘appalled’ by department chair’s call for Iran to strike U.S. base. Islamic Studies Professor Jonathan Brown: ‘I’m not an expert, but I assume Iran could still get a bomb easily. I hope Iran does some symbolic strike on a base’, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/06/georgetown-university-islamic-studies-department-chair-calls-for-iran-strikes-us-base

[3] Los Angeles County Sheriff deletes post with condolences for Iran nuclear strikes | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/us/los-angeles-county-sheriffs-department-forced-backtrack-after-bizarre-condolences-us-strike-iran

[4] ‘Recurring trend’: Wikipedia demoting pro-Israel content, experts say, https://www.jns.org/recurring-trend-wikipedia-demoting-pro-israel-content-experts-say