---
title: "Watch – A look at Israel's attack on Iran and Trump's authoritarian turn"
description: "In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi and veteran journalist Phillip van Niekerk, delve into the escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a significant Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites. They discuss Israel's motives, potential repercussions, and the United States' ambiguous role in these developments. The discussion also touches on domestic issues in the US, including Trump's controversial military parade on his birthday, the crackdown on immigrants in California, and increasing authoritarian tendencies under his administration."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-13-watch-a-look-at-israels-attack-on-iran-and-trumps-authoritarian-turn/"
published: "2025-06-13T22:20:37"
updated: "2025-06-13T22:28:57"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 41
---

# Watch – A look at Israel's attack on Iran and Trump's authoritarian turn

> In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi and veteran journalist Phillip van Niekerk, delve into the escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a significant Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites. They discuss Israel's motives, potential repercussions, and the United States' ambiguous role in these developments. The discussion also touches on domestic issues in the US, including Trump's controversial military parade on his birthday, the crackdown on immigrants in California, and increasing authoritarian tendencies under his administration.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 14 June 2025, 00:20 SAST · Updated 14 June 2025, 00:28 SAST

## Key points
- In a riveting exchange, Redi Tlhabi and Phillip van Niekerk dissect the tangled web of South Africa's political landscape, proving that sometimes, the best way to untangle knots is with a sharp wit and a keen eye for the absurd.
- Redi Tlhabi hosts a compelling discussion with journalist Phillip van Niekerk on current affairs.
- The episode delves into pressing issues affecting South Africa’s socio-political landscape.
- Produced by Emilie Gambade and Bernard Kotze, the podcast emphasizes the importance of informed dialogue.
- Support independent journalism by becoming a Maverick Insider and subscribing to the Daily Maverick YouTube channel.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJluYgzlVn0)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/b82add0d-5a5b-47c2-8fdf-a86821b39cf6?dark=false&color=FFFFFB)

**Hosted** by Redi Tlhabi
**Guest** Phillip van Niekerk
**Produced** by Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze
**Original Theme Music & Design**by Bernard Kotze

Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a [Maverick Insider](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/).
Subscribe to Daily Maverick YouTube channel. @dailymaverickchannel. **DM**