Trump NATO Clash: Iran Intel Fight, Media Attacks & Netanyahu Plea | June 25, 2025 Analysis

Key Takeaways

• Trump escalates attacks on media over conflicting Iran strike assessments, calling reports "fake news" while administration officials plan Pentagon briefing to defend claims .

• CIA and DIA clash publicly: Initial intelligence suggests months-long nuclear setback, while Trump insists program "obliterated" .

• White House limits classified intel sharing with Congress after leak of damaging DIA report, sparking bipartisan criticism .

• Trump demands Israel cancel Netanyahu’s corruption trial, calling it a "witch hunt" and pledging to "save" the Israeli PM .

• NATO summit yields 5% GDP defense spending pledge by 2035, overshadowed by Rutte’s "daddy" comment and Ukraine’s sidelining .

The NATO Money Table

European leaders agreed to ramp up defense spending after Trump’s pressure:

Source: NATO summit agreements

1. NATO’s Cold War Budgets and the “Daddy” Moment

Trump flew into The Hague calling NATO a "rip-off." He left calling leaders "a nice group of people." The reason? They agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035—a number not seen since the Cold War. Finland’s president called it "the birth of a new NATO." Trump posted Rutte’s fawning text calling him "daddy" to Truth Social. The White House even made a video set to Usher’s Hey Daddy. Behind the theatrics, the U.S. still pays 3.5% while Spain refuses the target. Ukraine got sidelined. No membership talks. Just a footnote about "enduring support" .

2. The Iran Intel War: Months vs. Years

Bombs fell on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Trump declared Iran’s nuclear program "obliterated." Then the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) leaked: strikes set it back months, not years. The White House erupted. CIA Director John Ratcliffe fired back—"severely damaged," he said, citing "credible evidence" rebuilding would take years. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed him on X. DIA backtracked, calling their report "preliminary, low confidence." Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry admitted nuclear sites were "badly damaged." Parliament voted to suspend UN inspections. No one agrees on the facts .

3. Trump vs. Media: “Fake News” and Pentagon Theater

CNN and The New York Times reported the DIA’s damning assessment. Trump called them "scum." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ranted about "spin" at NATO, vowing a Pentagon press conference to defend the pilots’ "dignity." Trump promised it would be "irrefutable." The White House then restricted classified intel sharing with Congress, accusing lawmakers of leaking. Deputy AG Todd Blanche threatened treason charges. CNN stood by its reporter: "100% behind Natasha Bertrand." The cycle repeats—leak, outrage, retaliation .

4. The Netanyahu Rescue Mission

Netanyahu faces bribery and fraud charges in three cases. Trump called it a "witch hunt." On Truth Social, he demanded Israel cancel the trial or pardon the PM: "It was the United States that saved Israel. Now it will save Bibi Netanyahu." Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar agreed, praising Trump for "voicing what many feel." The plea came hours after Trump brokered the Israel-Iran ceasefire—and a day after he criticized Israel for "dropping a load of bombs" post-deal. Netanyahu returns to court Monday. Expect protests .

5. Ceasefire Mechanics: “Daddy’s” Schoolyard

Trump compared Israel and Iran to "two kids in a schoolyard." NATO chief Mark Rutte joked: "Daddy has to use strong language to stop them." The truce held despite early violations. France intercepted Iranian drones targeting Israel. Tehran admitted 627 dead, including Major General Ali Shadmani. Trump framed the U.S. strikes as a Nagasaki-level finale: "This ended the war." But Iran’s defense minister flew to China days later. Russia’s shadow loomed .

6. The Leak Hunt: Congress in the Crosshairs

The White House blames Congress for leaking the DIA report. Classified briefings moved to Thursday (Senate) and Friday (House). Deputy AG Blanche warned lawmakers face prosecution: "Not immune from criminal liability." He plans to subpoena reporters. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine called the intel shutdown "troubling," recalling how Democrats were cut out of strike briefings pre-raid. Mitch McConnell separately slammed Trump’s budget cuts as "unnecessarily chaotic." Secrecy vs. oversight—again .

7. Iran’s Damage Control

Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, told Al Jazeera: "Nuclear installations are badly damaged." Parliament voted to suspend IAEA cooperation but stayed in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urged "urgent" access. Satellite images show Evin Prison in rubble. Health ministry reports 627 dead, 4,870 injured from strikes. France’s Macron backed IAEA’s return. Meanwhile, Iran’s defense minister met China’s Dong Jun at a Shanghai Pact meeting. Rebuilding? Denial? Silence .

8. What’s Next: Talks, Trials, and More Strikes?

Trump claimed U.S.-Iran talks would resume "next week." Envoy Steve Witkoff teased a "comprehensive peace deal." Iran denied meetings were scheduled. If Tehran rebuilds nuclear sites, will Trump strike again? He shrugged: "I don’t care if we have a deal." Netanyahu’s trial resumes Monday. Pentagon press conference starts at 8 AM Thursday. Pete Hegseth will "fight for the dignity" of pilots. Expect more leaks. More rage. More Truth Social posts. The war’s over. The fights just shifted .

Frequently Asked Questions

How damaged is Iran’s nuclear program?

Conflicting reports. DIA initially said setbacks would last "months." CIA and DNI claim "years" to rebuild. Iran admits "badly damaged" facilities .

Why did Trump attack Netanyahu’s trial?

He called it a "witch hunt," mirroring his own legal battles. Israeli minister Miki Zohar praised the stance .

What’s the 5% NATO spending deal?

Allies agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035—including infrastructure upgrades. Spain refused; France and Italy may struggle .

Why limit intel to Congress?

White House alleges leaks of the DIA report. Deputy AG Blanche threatened treason charges against lawmakers .

Will U.S.-Iran talks happen?

Trump says "next week." Iran denies it. Special envoy Steve Witkoff wants a "comprehensive peace deal" .