The tit-for-tat cycle of attack and counterattack threatens the fragile ceasefire that has been in effect since April, and further complicates Trump’s efforts to reach an interim agreement with Iran that would open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and set the framework for resumption of nuclear negotiations.

Trump told The Financial Times that Iran’s attacks on Israel would not slow down the peace process. “It’s not going to have any impact on the deal,” he told the FT. “We’ll see how it ends up,” Trump said. “It’s one of those things that’s been going for 3,000 years, or 47 years, depending on how you count.”

Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst, reporting from Tel Aviv, said that Trump told him in a phone call that Iran’s actions were “certainly not going to help negotiations,” while also expressing displeasure with Israel’s original attack on Iranian-backed Lebanese militia in Beirut, which set off the back and forth with Iran.

“I’m not happy about it,” Trump told Yingst. “What I would suggest to Iran: You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough, get back to the table and make a deal,” Trump told Fox News.

TRUMP TOLD NETANYAHU NOT TO RETALIATE AGAINST IRAN AFTER STRIKES: REPORT

‘WE’RE VERY CLOSE TO HAVING A DEAL’: Despite having little to show for the negotiations so far, and Iran’s insistence that any agreement must include an end to Israel’s war in Lebanon, Trump continued to insist that talks are on the verge of success.

“I mean, I think we’re very close. We have a couple of points,” Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker, on Meet the Press. “They don’t even seem like big points. They’ve conceded the fact that they will not have nuclear weapons.”

Of course, Iran has agreed for years that it won’t seek nuclear weapons, and had already conceded the point in February, just days before Trump called off talks and launched Operation Epic Fury. “Our fundamental convictions are crystal clear: Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X, just four days before the U.S. bombing began Feb. 28.

But on NBC, Trump insisted he closed an important loophole. “We had a clause in there that we will not develop nuclear weapons. And everybody was very happy with it except me. And I said, ‘Well, what happens if they, not develop, but they go out and purchase, they acquire?’ I want to put the word, if they buy, or purchase, or acquire. You know, you’ve got to have that in there too because that’s not developing. So they don’t have the right to develop or purchase, acquire, or buy.”

Of course, that is also something Iran agreed to long ago, and was part of the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump tore up once he took office. The Obama-era JCPOA included the phrase, “Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear weapons.” 

TRUMP SAYS HIS STICKING POINT ON IRAN DEAL IS ENSURING REGIME CANNOT ‘BUY’ NUKE

TRUMP: ‘I CALL THE SHOTS’: Despite Netantayu’s apparent defiance of Trump’s entreaty not to retaliate after Iran’s missile attack, Trump insisted he’s in charge, and the Israeli prime minister will have no choice but to accept any deal the U.S. negotiates with Iran.

“He won’t have any choice,” Trump told the London Financial Times in a telephone interview. “I call the shots. I call all the shots. He [Netanyahu] doesn’t call the shots.”

Asked what would happen if negotiations failed, Trump suggested to the FT he would consider a commando raid on Iran. “It would mean that possibly we would go in and take care of the rest of the place that we didn’t take care of militarily,” Trump said. “Or it would just mean that we would keep the blockade on Iran because the blockade has been probably more powerful than any attack that was ever made on that country.”

In an early morning Truth Social post, Trump said, “Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way. The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached. Things should move quickly.”

WHO IS MORE DESPERATE FOR A DEAL: TRUMP OR IRAN?

Good Monday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre’s Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. 

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UKRAINE AND RUSSIA TRADE BARBS: Following last week’s open letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Zelensky challenged Putin to meet him face to face to hammer out a ceasefire, the two leaders engaged in a public exchange that made it clear Putin is in no mood to end the war.

At a forum during an economic conference in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Putin called Zelensky’s letter — which referred to Putin’s advancing age and the war’s sagging popularity — “rude.” Putin, who is loath to mention Zelensky by name, referred to him as the “author of the letter,” and said he found the tone offensive.

“The letter you have just mentioned does indeed contain certain rudeness. Is this really a way to create the conditions for personal meetings and negotiations? Or does it instead create an atmosphere in which such meetings become virtually impossible? I believe it is the latter,” Putin said. “The sole objective, from the Ukrainian perspective, is to impede the progress of our Armed Forces, nothing more. We require agreements that endure not for mere months, not for half a year, but for a significant historical period.”

“I see no merit in such a meeting,” Putin said, insisting he would meet with Zelensky only when a final deal was ready to be signed.

“Unfortunately, the Russian side once again chooses war – everyone heard the response today. Weak response. He simply does not want to end the war,” Zelensky said in a video address. “I think many around the world were disappointed by that response. He does not want to change anything, and he does not want to admit that this war appeals only to him – and to those who are making money off him.”

In an interview with Britain’s Sky News, Zelensky said the quickest way to end the war is to freeze the front lines at their current positions. “It’s not the idea just to freeze, but the quickest way to is to freeze and to move it to a diplomatic setting,” he told Sky’s Yalda Hakim. “To stay where we are means to give the people of Ukraine more possibilities to save their children, and for soldiers to come back. I think this is important for us.”

But in the absence of a ceasefire, “We will not just silently die. We will respond,” Zelensky said. “We will bring back their war on their territory.”

IS PUTIN BEING LIED TO? In its most recent analysis, the Institute for the Study of War concluded “Russian military’s performance is declining,” and that Ukrainian forces are advancing on the battlefield. “ISW’s calculations … found that Russian forces lost control of about 280 square kilometers,” in recent days. 

This directly contradicts Putin’s recent claims that his forces are advancing on all fronts. “Putin’s claims about the battlefield are incompatible with available evidence and suggest that the Russian military command is not providing Putin accurate intelligence about the reality of Russian battlefield performance,” the ISW said in a June 5 assessment. “Russian advances have largely stagnated while Ukrainian forces have achieved some tactical successes in 2026.”

OPINION: WILL TRUMP BRACE OR BLINK WHEN VLADIMIR PUTIN ESCALATES?

THE RUNDOWN: 

Washington Examiner: Israel says it ‘struck military targets’ in Iran after Tehran launched missile attack

Washington Examiner: Trump told Netanyahu not to retaliate against Iran after strikes: Report

Washington Examiner: Who is more desperate for a deal: Trump or Iran?

Washington Examiner: Trump says his sticking point on Iran deal is ensuring regime cannot ‘buy’ nuke

Washington Examiner: Trump storms out of NBC interview ranting about ‘crooked’ press and ‘rigged’ elections

Washington Examiner: Finland’s NATO nerves: A country on Russia’s doorstep wonders about the alliance’s future

Washington Examiner: US downs Iranian ballistic missiles and drones headed toward Kuwait, Bahrain, and Strait of Hormuz

Washington Examiner: Sen. James Lankford joins bipartisan chorus of doubt against Trump DNI pick Bill Pulte

Washington Examiner: Trump mulling purchase of Chagos Islands to secure US base on Diego Garcia: Report

Washington Examiner: How DHS is securing the FIFA World Cup

Washington Examiner: Opinion: Will Trump brace or blink when Vladimir Putin escalates?

Financial Times: Trump says Netanyahu will have ‘no choice’ but to accept a deal with Iran

New York Times: Trump Says Iran Has Made a ‘Big’ Nuclear Promise. It Isn’t New.

Sky News: Zelenskyy willing to freeze battlefield lines for peace talks – and reveals Abramovich’s role in sending messages to Putin

Politico: Ukraine Targets St. Petersburg Again as Putin’s Davos Wraps Up

Wall Street Journal: The World’s Most Surprising Economic Success Story Is…North Korea

The Economist: China and Russia are competing for influence over North Korea

New York Times: Pentagon Sees Growing Espionage Threat From Israel

NBC News: Pentagon Raised Threat of Israeli Spying on US to Highest Level, Sources Say

Washington Post: Hegseth takes six of his children to France on official trip

Military Times: Joint Chiefs Head Makes First Official Visit to Post-Maduro Venezuela

Wall Street Journal: How SpaceX Became Embedded in America’s War Machine

New York Times: Pentagon Cuts 180 Religious Identities From Military Personnel Records

Washington Post: Trump says his uncle was a ‘super genius.’ D-Day proves his point.

Air & Space Forces Magazine: Air Force, Space Force Seek 6,000 Civilian Hires in Wake of DOGE Cuts

Air & Space Forces Magazine: Iran Severely Damaged US Air Ops Center in Qatar Soon After War Began

Breaking Defense: Under ‘Drone Dominance’ Push, Pentagon Begins Receiving Small Drones

DefenseScoop: Why Unauthorized Drone Incursions Are ‘a Clear and Present Issue’ for US Transportation Command

DefenseScoop: ​​A Cyber Force Without Enlisted? New Report Poses Model for Standalone Military Cyber Organization

Air & Space Forces Magazine: Lawmakers Vote to Keep Hold on E-3 Retirements, Grant Military ‘Right to Repair’

Air & Space Forces Magazine: Air Force Eyes Faster Software Updates for More Aircraft

Air & Space Forces Magazine: AETC Qualifies First T-7 Red Hawk Instructor Pilots

Washington Post: An airstrike trapped a journalist. She died as rescuers waited for permission to save her.

THE CALENDAR: 

MONDAY | JUNE 8

11 a.m. —  The Middle East Institute virtual discussion: “Gaza Update: Realities, Risks, and the Road Ahead,” with Jaser AbuMousa, MEI senior fellow; Natan Sachs, MEI senior fellow; and Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen, MEI senior fellow https://mei.edu/events/gaza-update

4 p.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW — Center for Strategic and International Studies discussion: “Fragility, Conflict, and the Future of Aid in Turbulent Times,” with former U.K. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee; Rabih El Chammay, head of the Lebanese Ministry of Health’s National Mental Health Program; and Enoh Ebong, president of the CSIS Global Development Department https://www.csis.org/events/fragility-conflict-and-future-aid-turbulent-times

TUESDAY | JUNE 9

9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2027 http://www.armed-services.senate.gov

10 a.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual media briefing: “Previewing the G7 Summit,” set to be held in France from June 15-17 with Philip Luck, CSIS chair in international business; Max Bergmann, director, CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program; Will Todman, chief of staff of the CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Victor Cha, CSIS Korea chair https://www.csis.org/events/press-briefing-previewing-g7-summit-0

10 a.m. 1155 15th St. NW — Inter-American Dialogue discussion: “Cuba’s Next Chapter,” with Emily Mendrala, senior adviser for Dinamica Americas; Jose Cardenas, principal of the Cormac Group; Ricardo Torres, research fellow for American University’s Center for Latin American and Latino Studies; and Eric Jacobstein, IAD senior fellow and founder and principal of Puentes Global Advisory https://thedialogue.org/event/cubas-next-chapter

10:30 a.m. 192 Dirksen — Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing: “A Review of the President’s FY2027 Budget Request for the Department of the Air Force,” with testimony from Air Force Secretary Troy Meink; Air Force Chief Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach; and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman http://appropriations.senate.gov

2:30 p.m. 232-A Russel — Senate Armed Services Committee CLOSED markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2027 http://www.armed-services.senate.gov

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 10

9 a.m. 232-A Russel — Senate Armed Services Committee CLOSED markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2027 http://www.armed-services.senate.gov

10 a.m. 2359 Rayburn — House Appropriations Committee markup of the FY2027 Homeland Security bill nhttp://appropriations.house.gov

12 p.m. —The Association of the U.S. Army virtual discussion of a new report, “The American Edge: The Military Tech Nexus and the Sources of Great Power Dominance,” with author Seth Jones, president, Center for Strategic and International Studies Defense and Security Department https://www.ausa.org/events/noon-report/the-american-edge

8 p.m. —Jews United for Democracy and Justice virtual discussion: “American Power at the Crossroads: Confronting China and a Fragmenting World,” with Josh Rogin, lead global security analyst for Washington Post Intelligence; and Larry Mantle, host of “AirTalk with Larry Mantle” https://www.jewsunitedfordemocracy.org/blog/event

THURSDAY | JUNE 11

9 a.m. — Center for a New American Security virtual CNAS National Security Conference, with Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA); Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE); and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO); Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA); Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ); Swedish Ambassador to the U.S. Urban Ahlin; Danish Ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Meller Serensen; European Union Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupsiene; and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. https://events.cnas.org/cnas2026conferencevirtual

9 a.m. 232-A Russell — Senate Armed Services Committee CLOSED markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2027. http://www.armed-services.senate.gov

9 a.m. H-140, U.S. Capitol —  House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee CLOSED markup of the FY2027 Defense bill. http://appropriations.house.gov

9 a.m. 1001 16th St. NW — Center for a New American Security 2026 National Security Conference: “New Rules” https://events.cnas.org/cnasconference2026newrules

2:25 p.m.— Georgetown University Center for Intercultural Education and Development virtual discussion: “On Character: Choices That Define a Life,” with former U.S. and International Security Assistant Forces Afghanistan Commander retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, former commander, Joint Special Operations Command; and Sam Potolicchio, G.U.professor of government, leadership and political communications https://events.georgetown.edu/event

9:30 a.m. 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW — Henry L. Stimson Center discussion: “The Future of American Airpower,” with Dan Grazier, director, Stimson National Security Reform Program; and Kelly Grieco, senior fellow, Stimson Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy Program https://www.stimson.org/event/the-future-of-american-airpower

10 a.m. 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW — Hudson Institute discussion: “Growing the Defense Industrial Base,” with James Mismash, deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial base growth; and Nadia Schadlow, Hudson Institute senior fellow https://www.hudson.org/events/growing-dib-conversation

11 a.m.1763 N St. NW — Middle East Institute discussion: “Lebanon: Between War and Diplomacy,” with Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed https://middleeastinstitute.my.site.com/Registration

3 p.m. 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW — Hudson Institute discussion: “Saving Ukrainian Children,” with Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna; and Maksym Maksymov, head of Bring Kids Back UA https://www.hudson.org/events/saving-ukrainian-children

FRIDAY | JUNE 12

12 p.m. —Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion of a new report:”Solid Rocket Motors for Missile Defense: Challenges and Opportunities for Expanding the Industrial Base,” with Tom Karako, director, CSIS Missile Defense Project; Christine Michienzi, nonresident senior associate, CSIS Missile Defense Project; and Wes Rumbaugh, fellow, CSIS Missile Defense Project https://www.csis.org/events/report-rollout-solid-rocket-motors-missile-defense

4:30 p.m. 1400 L St. NW — Atlantic Council book discussion: “Privileged but Powerless: How North Korean Elite Grievances Reveal the Regime’s Greatest Weakness,” with author Jieun Baek, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Indo-Pacific Security Initiative; and Kelley Currie, nonresident senior fellow, Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Indo-Pacific Security Initiative and the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/privileged-but-powerless