What’s Behind Netanyahu’s Increased Military Actions Against Iran

Doctor Chelsea McGee

Welcome back to The Real 411. I’m Dr. Chelsea McGee, and today, we’re cutting through the noise on what’s really happening between Israel, Iran, and, yes, the United States. So, June 2025—Israeli and US forces strike Iran’s nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan. Why now? Why together? And why does it feel like Trump and Netanyahu, who were at odds not that long ago, are suddenly acting like best friends on the world stage? Is this about military strategy, or is it about political survival for both of them? I remember standing in my clinic, three TVs on, each headline telling a different story—one said “US leads historic strike,” another “Israel acts alone,” and the third, well, it was all about oil prices. The truth? It was buried somewhere beneath all that noise. So, let’s break down what this war really signals—not just for Iran and Israel, but for all of us watching, wondering what comes next.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

Let’s start with the strikes themselves. Over nine days, Israel launched a relentless missile campaign against Iran, targeting not just military sites but also nuclear facilities. And then, in the early hours of a Sunday, the US joined in, hitting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with bunker-buster bombs—sites that Israel alone couldn’t reach. This wasn’t just a military operation; it was a message. Trump, in his address, thanked Netanyahu, saying they worked “like perhaps no team has ever worked before.” That’s a pretty dramatic shift from the public spats and even, let’s be honest, some pretty colorful language Trump used for Netanyahu just a few years back. Suddenly, the US and Israel are in lockstep, and the world is left to wonder: how did we get here? I remember reading those headlines in my clinic, trying to make sense of it all, and thinking—if I’m struggling to piece this together, what about everyone else? The public is left with fragments, and the real story is hidden in the gaps between official statements and the chaos on the ground.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

Now, let’s talk about the politics behind the bombs. Netanyahu—he’s been under fire at home, facing corruption charges and a unified opposition that, just days before the strikes, was trying to bring down his government. Suddenly, the opposition rallies behind him, suspending criticism in the name of national security. Is this unity in crisis, or is it just political theater? And then there’s Trump. His Middle East policy has been all over the map—he pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, wavered on Gaza, and, after years of hot-and-cold with Netanyahu, is now singing his praises. Four years ago, he was cursing Netanyahu for congratulating Biden. Now, he’s calling him a partner in “erasing the horrible threat to Israel.” So, how much of this is about genuine security needs, and how much is about leaders trying to secure their own political futures? I mean, I might be wrong, but it sure looks like personal ambition is shaping military decisions here. And that’s not just speculation—analysts and even some Israeli officials have said as much. Is this about keeping Israel safe, or keeping Netanyahu in power? Is Trump looking for a legacy, or just trying to hold his coalition together? These are the questions we have to ask, even if the answers are uncomfortable.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

But let’s not lose sight of the human cost. Over 200 people killed in Iran, 24 in Israel, thousands wounded, and even more displaced. Hospitals, airports, and aid routes have been hit. I read about an ambulance in Isfahan that was struck by a drone—everyone inside killed. In Israel, 9,000 people have been forced from their homes, many living in hotels or with relatives, and the US embassies in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are closed, with Americans told to shelter in place. And then there’s the psychological warfare—fake emergency alerts spreading panic on both sides, people scrambling for food, for shelter, for any sense of normalcy. I can’t help but think of my own patients, the way fear and uncertainty can eat away at your health, your sense of safety. This isn’t just about missiles and military targets; it’s about ordinary people caught in the crossfire, their lives upended in an instant. And the chaos isn’t just physical—it’s psychological, it’s emotional, and it’s going to leave scars long after the headlines move on.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

The shockwaves from these strikes are being felt far beyond Iran and Israel. The UN, G7, Saudi Arabia, Oman—all calling for de-escalation, but the reality is, Western leaders are split. Some are backing Israel’s right to defend itself, others are warning about unchecked escalation. The US Congress is now debating the War Powers Act, with some lawmakers furious that Trump acted without their approval. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is sending more aircraft carriers and warships to the region, and oil prices are spiking as everyone braces for what could come next. The Muscat peace talks—meant to be a last-ditch effort at diplomacy—were canceled. It’s a reminder of how quickly hope can unravel when bombs start falling. And, as we’ve seen before, these kinds of escalations don’t stay contained. They ripple out, affecting global markets, alliances, and, most of all, the prospects for any kind of lasting peace.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

So, what’s the endgame here? Israel’s so-called “Octopus Doctrine” is about striking at the head of the Iranian regime, not just its proxies. But that’s a risky move. Some analysts say Israel is overreaching, that trying to force regime change could actually backfire by fueling Iranian nationalism and making the regime stronger, not weaker. Others argue that the only way out is a negotiated ceasefire, but with both sides warning of lasting consequences, it’s hard to see how that happens. And then there’s the possibility of endless escalation—a cycle of violence and retaliation that just keeps spinning. I think about my advocacy work, fighting for vulnerable communities who always seem to pay the highest price when powerful people make reckless decisions. Misinformation, fear, and violence—they erode hope, they make it harder to imagine a better future. But if we don’t keep asking hard questions, if we don’t keep pushing for accountability, who will?

Doctor Chelsea McGee

One thing that’s changed the game in this conflict is technology. The escalation has seen both sides deploying advanced drones, precision missiles, and, increasingly, cyber attacks. Israel’s air force claims “full aerial superiority” over Tehran, but Iran is firing back with missiles and drones that are getting through. And then there’s the cyber front—fake emergency messages, attacks on critical infrastructure, and the ever-present risk that a cyber strike could trigger even more chaos. It’s not just about bombs anymore; it’s about who controls the information, who can disrupt power grids, hospitals, even the flow of aid. International actors are scrambling to set up protocols for cyber ceasefires, to prevent a digital attack from spiraling into a real-world disaster. But let’s be honest, the world is still playing catch-up. We need collaborative defense initiatives, clear rules of engagement, and, above all, a recognition that cyber warfare is no less dangerous than missiles in the sky.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

So, what can be done? First, there’s a push for multilateral talks—bringing Iran, Israel, the US, and key regional players to the table to negotiate a ceasefire. But that’s easier said than done, especially with so much mistrust and so many competing agendas. International monitoring mechanisms—maybe through the UN or neutral third parties—could help verify compliance with any agreement, but only if all sides buy in. And then there’s the question of sanctions and incentives—using economic pressure or relief to encourage de-escalation and, hopefully, foster some kind of long-term stability. It’s not a perfect solution, and, honestly, I’m not sure anyone has a perfect answer right now. But the alternative—letting this spiral out of control—isn’t acceptable. We’ve seen what happens when diplomacy fails, and the cost is always paid by those with the least power, the least voice.

Doctor Chelsea McGee

If you found today’s episode eye-opening, subscribe for more bold, truth-telling journalism. Share this with someone who still thinks this war is just about “defense.” And drop a comment—do you think Netanyahu is securing Israel, or just his own political career? Because, as we say every week, the story is never just the headline. I’m Dr. Chelsea McGee, and this is The Real 411. Stay curious, stay critical, and I’ll see you next time.