The episode begins by reporting on the third day of a joint US-Israel military operation against Iran, noting that the conflict has spread to Lebanon and other countries in the region with American military bases. These bases are being hit by retaliations from the Islamic regime and allies like Hezbollah. Donald Trump attempts to justify this new Middle East war, though he is criticized by one-third of Americans. Trump claims the aerial offensive aims to ensure long-term US security, prepares for more American military deaths, and vows to avenge initial soldier losses. In an interview with the New York Times, Trump says he has three good options to direct Iran without revealing names, while Tehran excludes any negotiation with Washington. Correspondent Luciana Rosa reports that Trump suggests there might be an opening for dialogue with Iran after the attacks. Trump signals the possibility of talks with what he calls Iran's new command following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israel attacks. In a CBS News interview, Trump states the bombings were effective and opened a path for diplomacy, claiming an agreement would now be easier because Iran is being hard hit. He calls the attacks a great day for the US and world, saying Iranians have shown interest in talking. On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Arakishi rebuts Washington's narrative in an Al Jazeera interview, asserting Iran has always been open to diplomacy but accusing the US of attacking during ongoing negotiations. Arakishi recalls that in 2015, Tehran signed a nuclear deal with major global powers, and it was Washington who abandoned the pact, casting doubt on American credibility in negotiations. The episode then details the next steps for the US government, with Defense Secretary Pete Hagsett and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kaine scheduled to give a press conference on Monday morning to detail the military operation against Iran. On Tuesday, Hagsett and Kaine will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Hatcliffe to brief all US congressional lawmakers on the attacks, with Rubio canceling a planned trip to Israel due to the conflict escalation. The episode also covers domestic reactions, including protests against and in favor of the military offensive and Khamenei's death, with Iranian-Americans taking to the streets in cities like Los Angeles and New York to celebrate, viewing it as a historic moment for regime change. Internationally, the British government authorizes the US to use UK military bases for defense actions against Iran to prevent missile launches and protect British lives. Shortly after, the UK Defense Ministry reports a suspected drone hit Rafi Akirotiri's air base in Cyprus, the main British operations center in the Middle East, with no casualties reported.
