Exclusive: U.S. fears Iran's response to Israeli strike would be mass casualty event
![]() 1145 Thursday, 12 June, 2025, 23:00 White House envoy Steve Witkoff privately warned top Senate Republicans last week that Iran could unleash a mass casualty response if Israel bombs their nuclear facilities, according to a U.S. official and a source with direct knowledge. Why it matters: With Israel preparing to strike Iran quickly if Witkoff's diplomacy fails this weekend, President Trump's envoy sounded the alarm about what would come next. Iran's retaliation could overwhelm Israel's defenses and cause heavy damage, he said. State of play: Witkoff is preparing for a sixth round of nuclear talks with Iran on Sunday. It could be the last. Behind the scenes: Last Thursday, Witkoff held a closed-door briefing on Iran with a group of Republican senators. Among them were Sens. Risch (R-Idaho), Graham (R-S.C.), Barasso (R-Wyo.), and Ricketts (R-Nebr.), the source with knowledge said. Witkoff told the Senators that military strikes by Israel are on the table if no agreement is reached. On Wednesday, Iran's minister of defense claimed Iran developed a new ballistic missile with a 4,000-lb. warhead. Testifying Tuesday before the House Armed Services Committee, Kurilla said an Israeli strike on Iran would expose U.S. forces in the Middle East to the threat of Iranian retaliation. "If they destroy our (nuclear facilities) with a bomb, they will be destroyed. All these capabilities are in our minds, and therefore, whatever they do, we will rebuild," he said. What to watch: Witkoff will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday in Oman to discuss Iran's response to the U.S. nuclear deal proposal. The meeting could determine whether diplomatic efforts continue, or a military operation begins. |
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