Iran, Retaliation & Reality: What You Should Know Right Now

Written By Jordan Greubel

A Calm, Fact-Based Guide for Americans

With scary headlines circulating fast, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This page offers a short, fact-based guide to help everyday people understand what’s happening between the U.S. and Iran—and what to expect next. No doom, no disinformation—just clear answers you can trust.

Key Questions Answered

    • On June 23, 2025, Iran launched 14 missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar.

    • 13 were intercepted. There were no deaths or serious damage.

    • This was a calculated, symbolic response to earlier U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

    • Iran gave advance warning, signaling it wants to avoid full-scale war.

    • No. Not right now.

    • Iran's strike was limited and intentionally designed to avoid major escalation.

    • The U.S., Israel, and many global powers (including Qatar, France, and the UN) are pushing for de-escalation.

    • Experts say Iran is showing strength without provoking wider conflict.

    • Potential cyberattacks from Iran or proxy groups.

    • Global oil price fluctuations (especially if the Strait of Hormuz is impacted).

    • Misinformation online. Stick to trusted, nonpartisan sources.

    • Update your passwords and digital security settings.

    • Budget for possible increases in gas and food prices.

    • Stay informed through verified news—not social media panic.

    • Talk to friends and family who are anxious. Calm is contagious.

 

Take Action!

Urgent: Demand Congressional Oversight and De-escalation

Letter Template Published: June 21, 2025

Issue: Former President Donald Trump ordered a military strike on Iran without congressional approval, escalating tensions and risking wider conflict.
What’s at Risk: Unchecked executive military power threatens global stability, civilian lives, and violates constitutional checks and balances.
Action: Urge Congress to immediately investigate the legality of the strike, reaffirm that only Congress can declare war, and take steps to prevent unauthorized military action in the future.


Mail This Letter To: (Ferndale, MI)

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D – Junior Senator)
The Honorable Elissa Slotkin
825B Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D – Senior Senator)
The Honorable Gary Peters
724 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11)
The Honorable Haley Stevens
2411 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Not Sure Who Represents You?

Use these tools to find your specific state and federal legislators:

Trusted experts & news sources:

  • Atlantic Council — @AtlanticCouncil

  • Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) — @CSIS

  • Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) — @CFR_org

  • Associated Press (AP) — @AP

  • NPR Middle East — @NPR

For those feeling anxious…

You are not powerless. Staying informed, grounded, and supportive is a form of strength.
Take a deep breath, go for a walk, turn off the panic scroll—and help someone else do the same.

Sources & Citations

Last updated: June 23, 2025

These sources were used to verify all facts and timelines in the “Iran, Retaliation & Reality” educational materials. All are nonpartisan, fact-based, and regularly updated.

Verified News Reports

Foreign Policy Think Tanks & Expert Commentary

Additional Media & Analysis

Source Guidelines Used

All sources selected:

  • Have editorial oversight or fact-checking protocols

  • Are updated regularly and publicly accessible

  • Are not affiliated with foreign state-run propaganda or partisan U.S. media. Foreign outlets used here (e.g., BBC) are cross-verified and cited only for direct government statements or quotes.

Jordan Greubel
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