[Thursday, June 26] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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1. U.S.-Iran Confrontation: Military Strike and Geopolitical Fallout

1.1. The Strike: Execution & Official Damage Assessment

Intelligence and official statements confirm the execution of a major U.S. military operation against Iran’s nuclear program, with officials emphasizing a decisive outcome. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that key Iranian nuclear facilities were “obliterated” and “destroyed,” offering a choice between the two descriptors to convey the totality of the damage [1]. In a subsequent briefing, Secretary Hegseth described the mission as one of the “‘most complex operations in history’” [2].

This assertion is corroborated by multiple sources. The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that as a result of the American strikes, which employed specialized “bunker-buster” munitions, the centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear facility are now “no longer operational” [3]. Separately, satellite imagery has revealed a “massive crater” at Iran’s primary Natanz nuclear facility, with President Trump commenting that the Iranians “have a lot of digging to do” to restore the site [4]. To control the public narrative, the Pentagon released previously unseen video footage of the operation, with descriptions indicating the blasts were powerful enough to momentarily “turned night to day” [5]. A new German intelligence report further contextualizes the threat, asserting that the Iranian regime actively sought technology for “weapons of mass destruction” in the German state of Lower Saxony [6].

References
[1] ‘Choose Your Word’: Hegseth Says Iranian Nuclear Facilities Were ‘Obliterated,’ ‘Destroyed’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/choose-your-word-hegseth-says-iranian-nuclear-facilities-were-obliterated-destroyed
[2] Hegseth calls ‘highly successful’ Iran strike one of ‘most complex operations in history’: Pentagon briefing rebuts leaked intel downplaying US strike on Iran’s nuclear sites; Hegseth says US unaware of any intelligence indicating Iran moved highly enriched uranium ahead of strikes, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjpkmncvle
[3] IAEA chief: Fordow centrifuges ’no longer operational’ after US bunker-buster strikes, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkbeafo4le
[4] “BREAKING: Satellite imagery shows a massive crater at the Natanz nuclear facility. As President Trump said, they have a lot of digging to do if they want to revive the facility.”, https://x.com/EYakoby/status/1938035925000376685
[5] Pentagon releases unseen vids of bunker busters that obliterated Iran nuke sites with blasts ’that turned night to day’, https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/35470219/trump-us-nuclear-iran-israel-war
[6] “Breaking: New European Intelligence Reports Outline Iran’s Illicit Nuclear Weapons and Missile Programs. New German report says Iran’s regime sought technology for weapons of mass destruction in Lower Saxony.”, https://x.com/BenWeinthal/status/1937922734455144495

1.2. Diplomatic & Political Aftermath

In the wake of the strikes, conflicting narratives have emerged alongside significant diplomatic escalations. After a reported public absence, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei surfaced with a defiant message, claiming Iran dealt the U.S. a “severe slap” and had achieved a “Victory Over Israel” [1, 2]. One expert cited by Fox News suggested this rhetoric is an effort by Tehran to “‘save face’” after the attack [3].

The administration is now escalating diplomatic pressure. Reports indicate the U.S. and Israel are demanding that, as a precondition for any future nuclear agreement, Iran must “hand over all enriched uranium in its possession that was not destroyed in recent strikes” [4]. President Trump also intervened in an allied nation’s judiciary, declaring that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing trial “Should Be Canceled” and that he should be given a pardon [5]. Some strategic analysis posits that the military strikes have shattered the “illusion of Iranian power,” and that its regional “‘axis of resistance’ is shattered” along with it [6].

References
[1] Not the Bee: Ayatollah Khamenei says Iran dealt US ‘severe slap’, claims victory over Israel, https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20250626-khamenei-says-iran-dealt-severe-slap-to-us-claims-victory-over-israel
[2] Iran’s Leader Claims Victory Over Israel, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/israel-iran-victory-trump/2025/06/26/id/1216532/
[3] Iran trying to ‘save face’ following US strike on nuclear sites, expert says, https://www.foxnews.com/world/expert-reacts-irans-assessment-damage-nuclear-sites
[4] As a precondition for signing any future nuclear agreement, the United States and Israel are demanding that Iran hand over all enriched uranium in its possession that was not destroyed in recent strikes., https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/26/us-demands-iran-surrenders-enriched-uranium
[5] Trump: Netanyahu Trial Should Be Canceled, Pardon Given, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-bejnamin-netanyahu-corruption/2025/06/25/id/1216483/
[6] Iran’s Flying Monkeys — The illusion of Iranian power was kept alive for decades by American engagement with the would-be lords of the Middle East. Now the spell is broken, and the ‘axis of resistance’ is shattered., https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/iran-flying-monkeys

1.3. Intelligence Leaks & Domestic Security Concerns

The aftermath of the strike has been complicated by a serious intelligence breach and heightened domestic security concerns. The Pentagon briefing led by Secretary Hegseth was explicitly intended to rebut leaked intelligence that had reportedly downplayed the strike’s effectiveness [1]. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the serious allegation that the “Iran intel leak may have come from inside Congress” [2].

These events coincide with rising fears of retaliatory attacks on U.S. soil. National security experts are warning that college campuses could become “ground zero for Iranian sleeper cells plotting to harm Americans” [3], and media reports are asking, “Are we at risk of an Iranian sleeper cell attack in the US?” [4]. These concerns are underscored by a significant law enforcement action in which a hazardous substances engineer for the California Environmental Protection Agency was arrested on federal charges for attempting to provide material support to ISIS [5]. Separately, a senior Trump administration official has expressed “growing concern” over credible threats from Hamas, which is reportedly surveilling and planning attacks on American contractors associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation [6].

References
[1] Hegseth calls ‘highly successful’ Iran strike one of ‘most complex operations in history’: Pentagon briefing rebuts leaked intel downplaying US strike on Iran’s nuclear sites; Hegseth says US unaware of any intelligence indicating Iran moved highly enriched uranium ahead of strikes, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjpkmncvle
[2] “White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says the Iran intel leak may have come from inside Congress”, https://x.com/Osint613/status/1938303851326578719
[3] College campuses could be ground zero for Iranian sleeper cells plotting to harm Americans, experts warn, https://www.foxnews.com/us/college-campuses-could-ground-zero-iranian-sleeper-cells-plotting-harm-americans-experts-warn
[4] Are we at risk of an Iranian sleeper cell attack in the US? (Video), https://nypost.com/video/are-we-at-risk-of-an-iranian-sleeper-cell-attack-in-the-us
[5] California EPA hazardous substances engineer arrested, charged with trying to support ISIS, https://www.jns.org/hazardous-substances-engineer-for-california-epa-arrested-charged-with-trying-to-support-isis
[6] “BREAKING: Hamas is reportedly surveilling and preparing to attack American contractors working with the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. A senior Trump official says threats from Hamas are a growing concern.”, https://x.com/EYakoby/status/1938047703168258479

2. Domestic Governance & Law

2.1. Supreme Court Landmark Ruling on Healthcare Funding

The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a landmark 6-3 decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood, ruling that state-level Medicaid programs are legally permitted to defund Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers [1]. The ruling has immediate practical implications, with reports noting that it “Lets South Carolina Defund Planned Parenthood,” clearing the way for that state’s policy to be enforced [2].

References
[1] Supreme Court rules on states blocking Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/supreme-court-rules-against-planned-parenthood-medicaid-funding-dispute
[2] Supreme Court Lets South Carolina Defund Planned Parenthood, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/06/26/supreme-court-rules-major-abortion-case/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking-supreme-court-rules-whether-states-can-block-planned-parenthood-from-receiving-medicaid-funding&_bhlid=22e0eea5d3606218dd7bd94119a99f149b6172f8

2.2. Executive & Legislative Actions

The Trump administration is pursuing aggressive legal and investigative actions. In an unprecedented move, President Trump has filed a lawsuit against all 15 active federal judges in Maryland, targeting what the suit calls their “Unlawful Practice of Issuing “Automatic Injunctions”” that have blocked the deportation of convicted criminal aliens [1]. In a separate matter, The Oversight Project, a government watchdog group, has formally referred former FBI Director Wray to the Department of Justice for unspecified criminal charges [2]. Congressional investigations are also active, though a House Oversight committee probe into what is being termed the “Biden Decline” has stalled after a senior adviser to Jill Biden refused to testify [3]. On the legislative front, the House of Representatives passed a bill mandating the deportation of any illegal alien convicted of drunk driving with a strong bipartisan vote of 246-160 [4].

References
[1] Trump Sues All 15 Federal Judges in Maryland Over Their Unlawful Practice of Issuing “Automatic Injunctions” to Stop Deportations of Criminal Aliens, https://politicom.com.au/trump-sues-all-15-federal-judges-in-maryland-over-their-unlawful-practice-of-issuing-automatic-injunctions-to-stop-deportations-of-criminal-aliens/
[2] Oversight Project refers former FBI Director Wray to DOJ for criminal charges, https://www.theblaze.com/news/exclusive-oversight-project-refers-former-fbi-director-wray-to-doj-for-criminal-charges
[3] Jill Biden’s Senior Adviser Refuses To Testify In House Oversight Investigation Into Biden Decline, https://dailycaller.com/2025/06/25/anthony-bernal-jill-biden-joe-biden-james-comer-house-oversight-mental-decline/
[4] U.S. House Of Representatives passes a bill that ensures all illegal aliens convicted of drunk driving are deported. 246-160, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1938340912280789015?s=46

2.3. Partisan Rifts & Internal Party Disputes

Significant fractures are visible within both major parties. Senator Bernie Sanders issued a sharp critique of the Democratic Party establishment, claiming it is run by “‘Beltway Consultants’” who “Have No Clue About [the] Real World” [1]. Disunity is also evident in the GOP. Representative Thomas Massie issued a public call for a “Ceasefire With Trump,” a statement implying ongoing friction between the White House and some conservative members of Congress [2].

References
[1] Sanders: Democrat Party Run by ‘Beltway Consultants’ — Have No Clue About Real World, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/06/25/sanders-democrat-party-run-by-beltway-consultants-have-no-clue-about-real-world/
[2] Rep. Massie Calls for Ceasefire With Trump, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/thomas-massie-donald-trump-iran/2025/06/25/id/1216444/

3. Social & Cultural Flashpoints

3.1. The Abortion Debate: Legislative and Activist Fronts

Beyond the Supreme Court, the abortion debate is intensifying. Senate Majority Leader John Thune condemned what he termed the “Freedom to Kill Unborn Human Beings” [1]. A proposed House bill aims to “Stop Abortionists From Flushing Aborted Baby Parts Down the Drain,” reflecting similar efforts at the state level [2]. In Congress, House Democrats reportedly failed in an attempt to kill an ongoing FDA investigation into the abortion pill [3]. The debate has also manifested in direct threats; the office of an unnamed “Pro-Life Congresswoman” was evacuated after receiving “Death Threats” attributed to abortion activists [4].

References
[1] Senate Republican Leader John Thune Blasts the “Freedom to Kill Unborn Human Beings”, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/25/senate-republican-leader-john-thune-blasts-the-freedom-to-kill-unborn-human-beings/
[2] Bill Would Stop Abortionists From Flushing Aborted Baby Parts Down the Drain, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/26/bill-would-stop-abortionists-from-flushing-aborted-baby-parts-down-the-drain/
[3] House Democrats Fail to Kill FDA Investigation of Abortion Pill, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/25/house-democrats-fail-to-kill-fda-investigation-of-abortion-pill/
[4] Pro-Life Congresswoman’s Office Evacuated After Abortion Activists Send Death Threats, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/26/pro-life-congresswomans-office-evacuated-after-abortion-activists-send-death-threats/

3.2. Contested Elections: NYC Mayor & 2024 Analysis

The victory of Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral Democratic primary has become a national political flashpoint. President Trump issued a “scathing” public rant, labeling Mamdani a “‘100% Communist Lunatic’” [1]. The reaction has been severe, with reports that “some Republican voters are now calling on President Trump to use the Communist Control Act of 1954 to stop Zohran Mamdani from becoming Mayor” [2]. The mayoral election occurred alongside a ballot measure that a Wall Street Journal analysis predicts will “Make Their Housing Shortage Worse” [3]. In post-mortem analysis of the 2024 general election, new Pew Research Center data shows that Donald Trump “won Latinos, and nearly won Latinas in 2024,” signaling a key demographic shift [4].

References
[1] Trump blasts Zohran Mamdani as a ‘100% Communist Lunatic’ in scathing NYC mayoral rant: ‘Democrats have crossed the line’, https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/us-news/trump-blasts-zohran-mamdani-as-a-100-communist-lunatic-in-scathing-nyc-mayoral-rant/
[2] “BREAKING - Some Republican voters are now calling on President Trump to use the Communist Control Act of 1954 to stop Zohran Mamdani from becoming Mayor of New York, while others argue over the constitutionality of such a move.”, https://x.com/Rightanglenews/status/1937925032694448394
[3] New Yorkers Vote to Make Their Housing Shortage Worse, https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/nyc-mayor-election-housing-costs-c1f88bcb
[4] Trump won Latinos, nearly won Latinas in 2024: Pew Research, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/trump-won-latinos-nearly-won-latinas-2024-pew-research?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators

3.3. Media & Culture Wars

Heated rhetoric and accusations of media bias are escalating. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth publicly accused CNN correspondent Natasha Bertrand of “False Reporting” on the Iran strike [1]. This is part of a broader conservative critique alleging media outlets went to “treasonous lengths” to deny the administration a victory [2]. Actor Patton Oswalt reportedly expressed a hope that death threats against “Trump Border Czar Tom Homan” would “‘Get So Much Worse’” [3]. In a House committee hearing, Democratic Representative Lateefah Simon reportedly shouted at Republican witnesses, “‘Keep Dr. King’s Name Out Of Your Mouth!’” after they quoted the civil rights leader [4]. And the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom drew criticism for posting a video of a “man ‘destroying’ woman” in an athletic competition shortly after receiving a warning related to Title IX [5].

References
[1] Pete Hegseth Blasts CNN’s RussiaGate Disinformation Whore Natasha Bertrand for Her False Reporting About the Iran Strike, Then CNN Lies to Cover Up Betrand’s Lies, https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=415419
[2] Miranda Devine: Trump-derangement syndrome drives deep state leakers, CNN to treasonous lengths to deny prez a victory, https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/opinion/miranda-devine-trump-derangement-syndrome-drives-deep-state-leakers-cnn-to-treasonous-lengths-to-deny-prez-a-victory/
[3] Actor Patton Oswalt Hopes Death Threats Against Trump Border Czar Tom Homan ‘Get So Much Worse’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/06/26/actor-patton-oswalt-hopes-death-threats-against-trump-border-czar-tom-homan-get-so-much-worse/
[4] ‘Keep Dr. King’s Name Out Of Your Mouth!’: Dem Rep. Lateefah Simon Blows Her Top At GOP Witnesses For Quoting MLK, https://share.google/EkU2gGyr4dDX1UXcr
[5] Newsom’s office posts video of man ‘destroying’ woman after Title IX warning, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/gov-newsoms-office-ripped-mocking-sec-mcmahons-trans-athlete-warning-wwe-clip-bodyslam

4. Economic & Public Health Developments

4.1. Federal Reserve & Monetary Policy

President Trump is escalating a conflict with the Federal Reserve. He has continued his public attacks on its leadership, recently describing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as a “‘Stupid Person, Low IQ’” [1]. These verbal attacks are coupled with a strategic maneuver reported by the Wall Street Journal, which indicates the President “Considers Naming Next Fed Chair Early in Bid to Undermine Powell,” threatening the traditional independence of the central bank long before Powell’s current term expires [2].

References
[1] Trump Again Calls Out Fed Chair Powell: ‘Stupid Person, Low IQ’, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-jerome-powell-fed/2025/06/25/id/1216420/
[2] Trump Considers Naming Next Fed Chair Early in Bid to Undermine Powell, https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/trump-considers-naming-next-fed-chair-early-in-bid-to-undermine-powell-d3edcb9c?mod=mhp

4.2. Public Health: COVID Vaccine Developments

New information is emerging regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially required an “updated warning” label for the shots to inform the public about a “rare heart risk” [1]. Separately, a “Peer Reviewed study” published in SAGE journals, analyzing data from 1.3 million women in the Czech Republic, reported that “successful conceptions among COVID-vaccinated women dropped by 1/3 and have not recovered” during the observation period [2].

References
[1] FDA requires updated warning about rare heart risk with COVID shots, https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-heart-myocarditis-warning-07103a53236cb715400aac0608e27dab
[2] Peer Reviewed study of 1.3 million women in Czech Republic shows successful conceptions among COVID-vaccinated women dropped by 1/3 and have not recovered., https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09246479251353384

5. Immigration & Border Crime

5.1. Enforcement, Crime & Local Policy Conflicts

Reports highlight severe crime linked to non-citizens and a growing divide between federal and local immigration policies. On Long Island, federal prosecutors allege that MS-13 members, referred to in a headline as “alien gangbangers,” “slaughtered members of their own gang” for disloyalty [1]. In Florida, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced a “record-breaking bust” of fentanyl, which he attributed to a “Cartel Plot,” seizing enough of the opioid to kill over 14 million people [2]. In a direct counter to federal enforcement, the city of Denver has reportedly disabled its public car theft tracking system specifically to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using the data to find and deport illegal aliens [3]. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security issued a “FACT CHECK” to counter a claim from a Guatemalan illegal alien, stating that ICE provided full medical care to the woman, who it noted has a “History of Child Abuse and Wanted for Homicide” [4].

References
[1] MS-13 alien gangbangers slaughtered members of their own gang on Long Island for being ‘disloyal:’ federal prosecutors, https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/us-news/ms-13-migrants-slaughtered-members-of-their-own-gang-on-long-island-for-being-disloyal-federal- prosecutors/
[2] Grady Judd: Record-breaking bust nets enough fentanyl to kill 14.5 million Americans, https://www.fox13news.com/news/sheriff-grady-judd-gives-details-largest-fentanyl-bust-polk-county-history
[3] Denver Shuts Car Theft Tracking System to Prevent ICE Deportations, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/06/25/denver-shuts-car-theft-tracking-system-to-prevent-ice-deportations/
[4] FACT CHECK: ICE Provided Full Medical Care to Guatemalan Illegal Alien with History of Child Abuse and Wanted for Homicide despite her claim that ICE denied her prenatal care, leading to her pregnancy loss., https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/06/26/fact-check-ice-provided-full-medical-care-guatemalan-illegal-alien-history-child#:~:text=Monterroso%2DLemus%20was%20arrested%20twice,Guatemala%20on%20May%209%2C%202025.