Flaring tensions in the Middle East reflect deep-seated animosity that predates the U.S. war on Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Fla., in 2025.Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images fileJune 8, 2026, 6:00 PM EDTBy Yasmin Vossoughian and Emily NgoWelcome to the daily Inside Scoop newsletter. A barrage of strikes between Israel and Iran is complicating U.S. efforts to negotiate a permanent ceasefire with Iran. Read what President Trump told “Meet the Press” correspondent Kristen Welker about the prospects of a deal. Also, we text with NBC Sports’ Noah Eagle about the New York Knicks’ epic momentum. Let’s get into it.A relative calm settled over the Middle East today after an exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran overnight threatened to pull the region back into a large-scale war.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.