In a forceful end to what had threatened to become a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict, President Donald J. Trump announced the conclusion of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. The president made it clear to the media gathered at NATO on Wednesday that the United States acted decisively, completed its objective, and is now moving on.
"It’s done,” Trump reportedly told the media on Wednesday, affirming that America’s mission was surgical, effective, and complete.
On Wednesday, Colonel Derek Harvey, a former Trump national security official and House Intel advisor, joined WarRoom host Steve Bannon to unpack the strategic aftermath. Harvey emphasized that the U.S. strike, combined with American defensive support, prevented catastrophe for Israel and reestablished deterrence across the region.
Israel’s own air defense systems—including Iron Dome, Arrow, and Patriot batteries—were heavily strained, and Harvey revealed that American Aegis cruisers and airpower were critical in plugging the gaps. "Without U.S. intervention, the impact on Israeli civilians—especially in Tel Aviv and Haifa—would have been far worse,” he noted.
Harvey and Bannon both highlighted that while Israel’s initial strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure triggered the escalation, the deeper concern was Iran’s growing ballistic missile and drone capabilities. Harvey added that Israel’s early destruction of Iran’s air defenses opened a narrow window for the U.S. to act with maximum impact.
Still, Bannon raised serious questions about the lead-up to the war, including whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acted without clear coordination. "Did Bibi bite off more than he could chew?” Bannon asked, alluding to reports suggesting Israel may have exaggerated the urgency of the threat from Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
"This was never just about nukes—it was about regime change,” Bannon said, warning that if intelligence was manipulated to provoke U.S. involvement, "there must be consequences.”
Quick Clip:
BANNON: President Trump was clear: mission done, nuclear site obliterated, we’re moving on.
But the regime change crowd is furious. Fox News and their "Israel First" chorus won’t stop.
They want boots on the ground. Trump shut it down.
Now it’s time for a reset. pic.twitter.com/fRlVzl0Tlk
— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) June 25, 2025
While reiterating strong support for Israel’s right to self-defense, Bannon stressed that the United States must pursue an America First strategy. "Israel must be Israel First. But we must be America First,” he said, dismissing pressure from neoconservative voices calling for ground troops or deeper entanglement.
Harvey agreed, pointing to the strategic burden of prolonged involvement in the region, especially given China’s growing challenges. "This war must not inhibit America’s ability to pivot to real strategic threats,” he said.
The final assessment: President Trump ended the conflict on American terms—no regime change, no mission creep, no endless war—and the MAGA movement is standing firm behind that.
"We shut it down. The war is over,” Bannon concluded. "Let the warmongers leak oil. We’re done.”
For more context, watch this whole segment with Derek Harvey:
