Sheltering from Iran's Missiles

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv on June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

After a busy night of barrages and strikes sending millions running for cover in both Israel and Iran, the sun has risen in the Middle East.

But with a new day comes the same burning question: will the United States be joining the conflict and come to Israel’s aid?

What the US is saying about Israel-Iran conflict?

President Donald Trump has called for Iran’s “surrender” and even left a not-so-veiled threat out in the open for the world to see.

“We know exactly where the so-called “Supreme Leader” is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump posted online.

“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”

The U.S. has moved plenty of military assets into the region, including the U.S.S. Nimitz aircraft carrier. 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave a speech in which he left little to the imagination about what he thinks of Trump’s threats. 

“The Americans must understand that the Iranian nation will not surrender, and that any military intervention will lead to irreversible damage,” Khamenei said. 

Israel’s public position is that, regardless of whether the U.S. joins the conflict, it intends to keep pushing forward to destroy Iran’s nuclear production and ballistic missile capabilities. 

Where the Israelis would likely need the most help is destroying Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is buried deep in a mountain. The common thinking is that only the United States’ B-2 Bombers and “bunker-buster” bombs can handle the job. 

In the meantime, citing security concerns, the U.S. has closed its embassy in Jerusalem through Friday.

Riding out Iran’s barrages in Israel

Not many people slept in Israel on Tuesday night as a series of missile barrages came their way. 

In Tel Aviv and central Israel, there were two barrages within an hour. Haifa to the north and the Negev Desert to the south were also targeted. 

Our team had to take shelter ourselves, which you can see firsthand in this clip that aired on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Tuesday. 

What we have noticed firsthand is Iran’s barrages are coming more frequently but less intensely — approximately 10 or 12 missiles at a time. 

The Israel Defense Forces has claimed this is an indication they have degraded Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities as they push the launch sites out of western Iran and deeper into the central portion of the country.

Iran’s leadership has rejected this premise, claiming they are holding back for now in a posture of deterrence — but if Israel continues its operations, they are prepared to upgrade their response to “punitive” measures. 

Israel’s public stance is that they could escalate their strikes Thursday. It’s unclear if the comment was genuine or meant to mislead Iran. 

The bottom line is clear: there’s more to come.