The President's Daily Brief
Each morning, the President of the United States receives a highly classified briefing on the most important issues facing the country -- The President's Daily Brief. Now you can hear your very own PDB, in the form of a podcast, every morning at 6am Eastern, and every afternoon at 4pm Eastern. You'll get 20 minutes of the most important topics of the day and why you should care, arming you with what you need to know to help solve America's most pressing challenges. Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker hosts new episodes daily.
Episodes
The PDB Situation Report | July 25th, 2026: The Next Phase Of The Iran War Has Begun & Russia Feels The Pain
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
The war with Iran is expanding as the Houthis move into the fight, threatening Red Sea shipping and raising the risk of a much wider regional conflict. We're joined by Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to discuss what happens next.
We take you inside Russia, where fuel shortages and relentless Ukrainian drone str
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 24th, 2026: Trump Threatens Biggest Strike Yet As Iran Rejects Deal & America's Newest Hypersonic Weapon Deploys Near China
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—A new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Iran appears to have collapsed almost as soon as it arrived in Tehran. Now, President Trump says he is close to deciding whether to launch what he described as a “massive attack”—one bigger than anything seen in the war so far—while both sides continue expanding their military operations.
July 24th, 2026: Iran’s Proxy War Just Escalated Again & Russia’s Empty Tanks
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First, the Iran-backed Houthis have begun enforcing their blockade of Saudi Arabia, striking oil tankers in the Red Sea as new reporting points to a deeper and more direct Iranian role behind the escalation.
Later, Russia’s growing fuel shortages are reportedly beginning to disrupt military operations in Ukraine, with some frontline units
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 23rd, 2026: Has Russia Entered The Iran War? & Ukraine’s Drone Breakthrough
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First— U.S. intelligence officials are investigating whether Russia helped Iran target CIA facilities across the Middle East, raising new questions about how deeply Moscow may be involved in Tehran’s war effort.
Later— The United States and Ukraine reach a landmark drone agreement that could bring combat-tested Ukrainian technology to America f
July 23rd, 2026: Report: Iran Is Sending IRGC Troops Into Yemen & Israel's Election Battle
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Growing signs suggest Iran is taking a more direct role in the Houthi campaign against Red Sea shipping, with new reports indicating Tehran has begun flying Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel directly into Yemen.
Israel's political landscape is shifting as former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot emerges as Prime Minister Benjamin
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 22nd, 2026: Zelensky Just Fired Ukraine's Top General & Saudi Nuclear Pact
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Ukraine's wartime leadership is thrown into turmoil after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses the country's top military commander following days of rare public protests and growing divisions over how the war against Russia should be fought.
The Trump administration reaches a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could
July 22nd, 2026: The Iran War Just Reached a Dangerous Turning Point & Ukraine’s Leadership Crisis
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
After eleven consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes, American intelligence agencies are warning that airpower alone may not be enough to force Iran to change course.
Protests continue in Ukraine following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as new details reveal a deepening rift over how the war against Russia should be foug
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 21st, 2026: Report: Iran Has A New Nuclear Fortress & Cuba's U.S. Threats
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
New Israeli intelligence suggests Iran has moved key parts of its nuclear program into the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex, raising concerns that Tehran is shifting critical nuclear assets into a site designed to withstand future airstrikes. We explain why the underground fortress could become America's next military target.
The Stat
July 21st, 2026: Ukraine Just Found Russia’s New Weak Spot & Houthis Close Strait To Saudis
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Ukraine appears to have found a new pressure point inside Russia. We examine why Kyiv is now targeting Russia's largest commercial logistics companies—and how disrupting the country's supply network could become the next phase of the drone war.
Yemen's Houthis are expanding the fight. We'll explain why the group's newly announced
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 20th, 2026: Iran's Government Is Tearing Itself Apart & China's Maritime Escalation
In this episode of The PDB Description:
Iran's government is facing a growing internal revolt as hardliners accuse President Masoud Pezeshkian of betraying the Islamic Republic, fueling fears that Tehran's own political infighting could derail any hopes for a lasting ceasefire with the United States.
Taiwan is sounding the alarm after a sharp increase in Chinese coast guard and research ves
July 20th, 2026: U.S. Prepares Massive Expansion of Iran War & Russia Pounds Ukraine
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First up— two U.S. servicemembers are killed in an Iranian missile strike on an American base in Jordan. We'll explain why the attack may mark a major turning point in the conflict, as new reports indicate the Trump administration is preparing for a dramatic expansion of military operations against Tehran.
Later in the show— Russia and Ukr
The PDB Situation Report | July 18th, 2026: America Is Crushing Iran's Coastal Defenses & Russia's Nuclear Threat
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Ryan Bodenheimer joins us to analyze America's renewed air campaign against Iran, as U.S. aircraft strike the islands and coastal defenses Tehran relies on to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Later, as Russia's military position continues to worsen, renewed concerns are emerging that Vladimir Put
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 17th, 2026: The U.S. Just Cut Off Iran's Military & Trump Accuses China of 2020 Election Interference
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—for nearly a week, the U.S. has been targeting Iran’s missiles, drones and naval forces. But overnight, Washington expanded its target list. American forces struck bridges, rail links and other infrastructure that keeps Iran’s military supplied. And that could reveal how Washington intends to pressure Iran moving forward.
Lat
July 17th, 2026: Iran Is Preparing Its Biggest Escalation Yet & America's New Missile Strategy
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Iran may be preparing its biggest escalation yet. We explain why the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—not the Strait of Hormuz—could become the next major flashpoint in the conflict, and how Tehran may be looking to squeeze the global economy instead of taking on the U.S. military directly.
The Pentagon is embracing a key lesson from Ukraine, moving t
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 16th, 2026: Why Ukrainians Are Suddenly Protesting Zelensky & Iran's Hidden Supply Network
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Rare protests erupt in Kyiv after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses the official many Ukrainians credit with helping transform the country's drone war against Russia, raising new questions about wartime leadership and political unity.
The Trump administration opens a new front in its pressure campaign against Iran, targeting the shadowy in
July 16th, 2026: Iran's Secret Island Bases Are Under Attack & Ukraine's Robot Assault
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
American forces are now targeting three tiny islands that have become the key to Iran's ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. We'll explain why these little-known outposts sit at the heart of Tehran's military strategy—and why the latest U.S. strikes could signal the next phase of the conflict.
China is expanding its p
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 15th, 2026: YouTube Title: Putin's Worst Nightmare Is Coming True — Moscow Is Falling Apart
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Vladimir Putin has spent decades shielding Moscow from the consequences of his wars. Now, fuel shortages, business closures, and mounting economic warning signs suggest the Russian capital is beginning to feel the strain of the conflict in Ukraine.
New satellite imagery reveals China has constructed a full-scale replica of a U.S. Navy guid
July 15th, 2026: The Iran War Just Entered A Dangerous New Phase & Wagner's African Opioid Trade
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
The battle for the Strait of Hormuz is entering a dangerous new chapter. We examine why the Trump administration has once again shifted its strategy against Iran—and what that tells us about where the war is headed.
The remnants of Russia's Wagner mercenary force have reportedly traded the battlefield for the drug trade. We look at al
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 14th, 2026: U.S. Unleashes New Weapon In The Strait Of Hormuz
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
The U.S. naval blockade of Iran is officially back in force, and American forces unveil a weapon never before used in combat: explosive sea drones. We explain why this milestone could mark the beginning of a new era in naval warfare.
After years of defending itself against Russian missile attacks, Ukraine is helping lead a new coalition of Euro
July 14th, 2026: Trump Just Reimposed the Naval Blockade on Iran & Ukraine Targets Russia at Sea
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
President Trump reinstates the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, cutting off the regime's ports as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate and the risk of a broader regional conflict grows.
The war in the Middle East spreads, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launch ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia following an apparent strike target
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 13th, 2026: BOMBSHELL: Mossad Tried To Make Ahmadinejad Iran's Next Leader & Iran Targets Jewish Sites In Europe
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
• A stunning new investigation claims Israel spent years secretly cultivating former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as an intelligence asset—and even planned to install him as Iran's next leader if the Islamic Republic fell.
• Britain accuses Iran of orchestrating attacks against Jewish targets across Europe through criminal proxie
July 13th, 2026: U.S. Launches Major Strikes As Iran Shuts Hormuz & Terrorists Embrace AI
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed indefinitely after another attack on commercial shipping, prompting a fresh round of U.S. airstrikes and raising the risk of a wider regional war.
• A troubling new report reveals how terrorist organizations are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve battlefield tactics, operational planni
The PDB Situation Report | July 11th, 2026: The Iran Ceasefire Is Dead—Here's What Happens Next
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran has officially collapsed, with both sides once again exchanging military strikes across the Middle East. Former White House National Security Council official Richard Goldberg joins the show to break down what triggered the renewed fighting, what comes next, and whether the region is now headed toward
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 10th, 2026: Israel Warns Trump Of Iranian Assassination Plot & Zelensky Reveals China's Warning To Putin
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—For years, Iran has openly vowed to kill President Trump. But this week, those threats may have taken on a far more dangerous dimension. Israel has reportedly warned Washington that Tehran could be considering a new assassination plot.
Later in the show—President Zelensky says China privately warned Vladimir Putin against usi
July 10th, 2026: The Revolutionary Guard Just Took Control Of Iran
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Even as U.S. and Iranian forces continue exchanging strikes, a new power structure is quietly taking shape inside Tehran. We examine who is really running Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—and why the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may now be the country's true center of gravity.
We take you inside the Oval Office as ne
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 9th, 2026: Ukraine Strikes Dozens Of Russian Ships & U.S.-Iran Strikes Intensify
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Ukraine opens a new front in its campaign against Russia's wartime economy, launching an unprecedented wave of drone strikes against dozens of oil tankers tied to Moscow's shadow fleet. We explain why these ships have become one of Kyiv's highest-value targets.
The United States and Iran continue trading strikes as the latest round of fighting
July 9th, 2026: The Iran Crisis Just Entered A Dangerous New Phase & Trump Backs Kyiv
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First up—the standoff between the United States and Iran enters a dangerous new phase. I'll explain what's changed, why the ceasefire appears to be unraveling, and what options President Trump now has moving forward.
Later in the show—President Trump signals a major shift in strategy toward Ukraine, backing long-range strikes deep inside R
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 8th, 2026: U.S. Launches Strikes On Iran & Russia Targets Starlink
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran appears to have collapsed after Tehran's attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz triggered a new round of U.S. military strikes and Iranian retaliation. We break down the latest developments and what they could mean for the future of the conflict.
Russia is reportedly deploy
July 8th, 2026: Russia May Soon Order A Massive Mobilization & Trump's F-35 Reversal
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Troubling signs out of Moscow suggest the Kremlin may soon order another military mobilization. We examine why Vladimir Putin may be running out of volunteers, what a new draft could mean for the war in Ukraine, and why such a move could become one of the biggest political gambles of his presidency.
President Trump signals he's open to res
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 7th, 2026: Iran Resumes Attacks On Commercial Ships In Hormuz & Russian Forces Attacked In Mali
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up— just days after another round of U.S.-Iran negotiations ended without a breakthrough, Iran is accused of launching missile attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Later in the show— Russia's campaign in Africa is encountering fresh trouble. We'll take you to Mali, where Tuareg fighters claim they've shot down one o
July 7th, 2026: Meet The Castro Who Wants To Talk To Trump
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Cuba's next-generation Castro is stepping out of the shadows. We examine the first-ever interview between Raúl Castro's grandson and a U.S. news outlet, why he's suddenly reaching out to the American people, and what it may reveal about Havana's strategy toward the Trump administration.
President Trump heads to the NATO summit in Turkey wi
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 6th, 2026: China Launches One Of Its Most Dangerous Weapons
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
China conducts a rare submarine launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile into the Pacific, prompting alarm across the Indo-Pacific. We explain why U.S. allies are calling the test destabilizing—and what it reveals about Beijing's rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities and evolving nuclear strategy.
Hamas says it's prepared to step aside fr
July 6th, 2026: U.S. Intel: Russia Preparing To Attack NATO Nation & Iran's Missing Leader
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
U.S. intelligence is warning that Russia may be preparing a military provocation inside Poland in an effort to test NATO's resolve. We break down the reported threat, what it could look like, and why officials in Washington and Warsaw are taking it seriously.
Iran held a massive funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but his successor, Suprem
The PDB Situation Report | July 4th, 2026: Russia Has A New Problem At Home & Iran's Diplomatic Deadlock
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Ukraine is tightening the noose around Crimea while Russian civilians grapple with growing fuel shortages at home. Retired Lt. General Ben Hodges joins us to explain what this new phase of the war could mean—and whether mounting pressure inside Russia is beginning to change the strategic picture.
The U.S. and Iran have wrapped another round of in
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 3rd, 2026: The New Numbers That Should Worry Putin & Nord Stream Bombshell
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
A new battlefield assessment suggests Russia has now suffered an estimated 1.4 million casualties in Ukraine. We examine the staggering new figures, why Moscow may be losing troops faster than it can replace them, and what the report reveals about the changing nature of modern warfare.
German prosecutors say they've solved one of the biggest my
July 3rd, 2026: Has An Insurgency Begun Inside Iran? & Russia's NATO Intelligence Campaign
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Violence is surging in Iran's Kurdish northwest, raising a critical question: are we witnessing the early stages of a new insurgency against the regime? Mike Baker examines the latest attacks on Iran's Revolutionary Guard and what they could signal about Tehran's internal stability.
A mystery is solved. A new report suggests Russia's years
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 2nd, 2026: Putin Concedes Ukraine's Strikes Are Working & Iran Negotiations Continue
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up — After weeks of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and fuel infrastructure, Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged that Russia is experiencing fuel shortages. We examine why the Kremlin's rare admission matters, what it reveals about Ukraine's strategy, and whether it signals a new phase of the war.
Later in the show — Negotiat
July 2nd, 2026: Could Iran Actually Build A Nuclear Weapon?
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Could Iran actually build a nuclear weapon? Mike Baker examines the state of Tehran's nuclear program, what remains after recent military strikes, and how close Iran may be to producing a bomb.
We explore the technical hurdles Iran still faces—from enriching uranium and weaponization to building a reliable delivery system—and why possessin
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 1st, 2026: How Artificial Intelligence Will Fight The Next War
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Artificial intelligence is transforming far more than chatbots and consumer technology. Mike Baker examines how AI is reshaping modern warfare, intelligence collection, and military decision-making.
We explore how autonomous drones, battlefield targeting, cyber operations, and intelligence analysis are already being enhanced by artificial intel
July 1st, 2026: What Happens If China Attacks Taiwan?
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Could China actually invade Taiwan? Mike Baker examines the military, political, and geographic realities behind one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints.
We explore the enormous challenges Beijing would face in launching an amphibious invasion—from crossing the Taiwan Strait and securing beachheads to sustaining a prolonged military
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 30th, 2026: Can Moscow Still Achieve Victory?
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Can Russia still win the war in Ukraine? Mike Baker examines where the conflict stands after more than four years of fighting and what victory would actually look like for Moscow.
We explore Russia's military strengths and weaknesses, the state of Ukraine's defenses, and how manpower, industrial production, sanctions, and Western support are sh
June 30th, 2026: Could Putin Actually Be Overthrown?
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Could Vladimir Putin actually be overthrown? Mike Baker examines the foundations of the Russian president's grip on power, from the loyalty of the security services and military to the influence of oligarchs and competing political factions.
We explore why so many predictions of Putin's downfall have failed over the past two decades, what
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 29th, 2026: Ukraine Launches A Major Offensive Against Russia & U.S.-Iran 'Stand Down'
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up—Ukraine says it has entered a new phase of the war, launching a 40-day campaign of deep strikes designed to pressure Russia into ending the conflict. We'll explain what this new strategy looks like and whether it could change the trajectory of the war.
Later in the show—Washington and Tehran are putting the brakes on their latest milit
June 29th, 2026: Iran Just Targeted U.S. Bases In The Gulf & Hezbollah Rejects Deal
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
The U.S. and Iran are trading strikes once again, with Tehran now targeting American bases in the Gulf. We'll break down what's happening and what it reveals about the fragile ceasefire.
Israel agrees to withdraw from two positions in southern Lebanon under a new U.S.-brokered framework agreement. But Hezbollah is already rejecting the dea
The PDB Situation Report | June 27th, 2026: Confidence Returning To The Strait Of Hormuz?
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Oil tankers are returning to the Strait of Hormuz, and with them, confidence is slowly returning to global energy markets. Daniel Turner, Executive Director of Power The Future, joins us to discuss what the recovery means for oil prices, shipping, and the broader geopolitical picture.
China is quietly surrounding Taiwan, transforming what were
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 26th, 2026: Trump Slams Iran For Breaking Ceasefire Deal & Russia Declares Emergency In Crimea
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—the peace process between the U.S. and Iran is already showing signs of strain. A drone strike on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz has reignited tensions, prompting a sharp response from President Trump, and raising new questions about whether the ceasefire can actually hold.
Later in the show—Ukraine unleashes one of its bigg
June 26th, 2026: The Shocking Collapse Of Cuba's Military & Ukraine's Deep Strikes
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
The Trump administration continues to ratchet up pressure on Cuba, but if tensions were ever to turn military, Havana may have little ability to respond. We'll examine the dramatic collapse of Cuba's once-feared armed forces and how one of the Cold War's most formidable militaries became a shadow of its former self.
Ukraine continues takin
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 25th, 2026: Iran Reveals Its Plans To Control The Strait Of Hormuz & Venezuela's Earthquake Disaster
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Iran is revealing its long-term plans for the Strait of Hormuz. New reporting suggests Tehran wants a permanent role in managing one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints—and potentially billions of dollars a year in new revenue. We'll explain what Iran is proposing and why Washington is already pushing back.
Disaster strikes Venez
June 25th, 2026: China’s Navy Surrounds Taiwan & Iran Nuclear Inspections
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
China is quietly surrounding Taiwan. New reporting reveals Beijing now maintains a near-constant naval presence around the island, transforming what were once temporary military demonstrations into the new normal and raising fresh questions about China's long-term intentions toward Taipei.
The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog says inspectors are ex
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 24th, 2026: Iran's Leaders Are Afraid—And It Shows
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
While the world's attention remains fixed on Iran's negotiations with the United States, Tehran is facing a different challenge at home. We examine a sharp increase in political executions, why the regime is accelerating its crackdown on dissent, and what it reveals about the leadership's concerns over internal stability.
Later in the show—the
June 24th, 2026: Putin Calls For Peace Talks In Ukraine & China's Mystery Platform
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Vladimir Putin says Russia is ready to restart peace negotiations with Ukraine based on the framework discussed during the 2022 Istanbul talks. We examine whether Moscow is still negotiating from the same position of strength it held four years ago, or if Ukraine's growing ability to strike Russia's economy has altered the balance of leverage.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 23rd, 2026: The Good News And Bad News From Hormuz & Iranian 'Jellyfish' Drones Down U.S. Jet
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
The good news: the Strait of Hormuz is no longer at a standstill. The bad news: the global shipping industry still isn't convinced the crisis is over. We examine why traffic through one of the world's most important waterways remains well below pre-war levels despite signs of recovery and what it could mean for global energy markets.
Later in t
June 23rd, 2026: Is Belarus Preparing To Invade Ukraine?
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—is Belarus preparing to invade Ukraine? As Kyiv issues new warnings and tensions rise along the border, we'll separate the facts from the speculation and explain what's really happening inside Russia's closest ally.
• Later in the show—Iran is already receiving economic benefits from its agreement with Washington. We'll examine what's
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 22nd, 2026: U.S. & Iran Establish Lebanon “Deconfliction Cell” & Starmer Steps Down
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up—the United States and Iran have agreed to create a new "deconfliction cell" for Lebanon, aimed at preventing the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah from derailing their fragile agreement. We'll examine how the mechanism is supposed to work, why Israel isn't part of it, and whether it actually solves what may be the deal's biggest weakn
June 22nd, 2026: Iran Just Closed The Strait Of Hormuz Again
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed again, just days after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States. We'll look at why the fighting in Lebanon is threatening to derail the deal before negotiations have even begun.
• Later in the show—after more than 50 days of disruptive roadblocks, Bolivia's president is escal
PDB Situation Report | June 20th, 2026: Israel-Hezbollah Violence Just Shook The Iran Agreement
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Just days after the United States and Iran signed a framework agreement, the first round of follow-on negotiations has been called off following a deadly exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah. We speak with Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about what the latest violence means for the future of the deal and wh
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 19th, 2026: Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Keeps Iran Talks Alive & Cuba's Communist Model Hits Breaking Point
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—The fragile peace process between the U.S. and Iran has already encountered its first major test. New fighting between Israel and Hezbollah forced the postponement of high-level negotiations in Switzerland before a last-minute ceasefire brought the region back from the brink—at least for now. I’ll have the details.
Later in the show—Cu
June 19th, 2026: Moscow Has An Air-Defense Problem & Xi's New Purge
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—Ukraine brings the war to Moscow in dramatic fashion. A massive drone attack struck multiple targets across the Russian capital, including a key oil refinery, as new reports suggest Russia's air defenses may be burning through interceptor missiles at an unsustainable rate.
• Later in the show—Xi Jinping launches a sweeping new purge in
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 18th, 2026: The Hardest Part Of The Iran Agreement Starts Now
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
First up—the U.S.-Iran agreement is now officially signed. We’ll break down what happens next, how energy markets are reacting, and why the toughest negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security may still lie ahead.
Later in the show—Hamas appears to have rejected the latest U.S.-backed proposal to disarm an
June 18th, 2026: Trump Shocks European Leaders At G7 & The UAE Moves Beyond Hormuz
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
G7 leaders were in for a surprise this week, as President Trump arrived in France with a more measured and cooperative tone than many allies had expected. We'll examine what may be driving the shift and why European leaders believe they made progress in bringing Trump closer to their position on Ukraine.
The war with Iran may have permanen
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 17th, 2026: The Secret U.S.-Iran Deal Just Leaked & Emergency Weapons Production
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
The secret U.S.-Iran agreement is no longer secret. Leaked details reveal sanctions relief, a proposed $300 billion development fund, and major unanswered questions about Tehran's nuclear program as negotiators prepare to sign the framework agreement in Switzerland.
After expending thousands of missiles and interceptors during the war with Ira
June 17th, 2026: Why The Strait Of Hormuz Isn't Back To Normal & New Allegations Against China
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Ships are expected to begin moving through the Strait of Hormuz once again, but the world's most important energy corridor remains far from normal. We'll examine why the recovery of global oil markets and energy supply chains could take months—or even longer.
European officials are accusing China of training Russian troops for combat in Uk
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 16th, 2026: The Secret U.S. Operation That Kept Gulf Oil Flowing & B-52 Disaster
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First up—during Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the United States reportedly relied on a secretive maritime network to keep Gulf oil flowing. We'll examine the remarkable Reuters investigation that claims Washington borrowed tactics from Tehran's own sanctions-evasion playbook—and how the operation may have helped avert a global energy cr
June 16th, 2026: The 5 Biggest Unanswered Questions In The Iran Deal
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—the Iran deal is done, but the hard part may just be beginning. We examine the five biggest unanswered questions surrounding the U.S.-Iran agreement, including the future of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, Israel's role, Iran's nuclear program, and what happens if negotiations break down.
• Later in the show—President Trump arr
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 15th, 2026: White House Reveals New Iran Deal Details & Russia's Damages Famous Cathedral
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• First up—the U.S.-Iran agreement has now been signed, but many of the deal's most important details remain under wraps. We'll explain what the Trump administration is saying about the agreement, which leaked provisions officials are disputing, and the key questions that still remain about sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, and the future of
June 15th, 2026: What's REALLY In The U.S.-Iran Deal? & Tren De Aragua Strike
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
-First up—reports of a U.S.-Iran agreement continue to swirl, but competing versions of the deal are raising major questions about sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and whether a broader regional peace is actually within reach.
-Later in the show—European efforts to crack down on Russia's shadow fleet
PDB Situation Report | June 13th, 2026: An Iranian Insider Reveals What's Happening Behind The Scenes
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
We turn our attention inside Iran as economic hardship, political unrest, and growing public dissatisfaction continue to mount beneath the headlines of the U.S.-Iran confrontation. We're joined by Alireza Jafarzadeh for an insider's perspective on the regime's challenges and what may come next.
Later, five months after the fall of Nicolás Maduro,
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 12th, 2026: Trump Clashes With Tehran Over Leaked Iran Deal & Washington Tightens The Screws On Cuba
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Yesterday, President Trump suggested a deal with Iran could be just days away. Today, leaked details of that agreement are raising new questions about what both sides are actually prepared to accept.
Later in the show—The Trump administration ramps up pressure on Cuba, targeting the island's energy sector as fuel shortages, rolling blackouts
June 12th, 2026: America's Iran Blockade Just Turned Deadly & Ukraine's Air Defense Breakthrough
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Three Indian sailors are dead after U.S. forces struck a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first reported fatalities tied to Washington's blockade of Iran. We'll explain what happened, why India is demanding answers, and how the incident could complicate one of America's most important strategic relationships.
Ukraine may
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 11th, 2026: Why Trump Canceled The Planned Attack On Iran & Kim Expands Nuclear Program
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• Just hours after threatening another round of strikes against Iran, President Trump abruptly called them off, claiming negotiators may be closing in on a deal. We break down what the White House is saying, why Tehran has yet to confirm it, and what it could mean for the future of the crisis.
• A newly revealed uranium-enrichment facility inside N
June 11th, 2026: America Launches A Second Night Of Strikes On Iran & Russian General Killed
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• The United States launches a second consecutive night of strikes against Iran. We break down the latest operation and the growing evidence that this crisis began well before the downing of an American Apache helicopter.
• Another senior Russian military official is killed in a car bombing outside Moscow, raising fresh questions about Ukraine's
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 10th, 2026: Iran Attacks U.S. Bases Across The Middle East & Taiwan's HIMARS Warning To China
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
• The tit-for-tat between Washington and Tehran continues. After U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets, Iran responded with missiles and drones aimed at American bases across the Middle East. We break down the latest exchange and what it could mean for the future of the conflict.
• Taiwan fires U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems from a beach fa
June 10th, 2026: U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran & NATO Downs Russian Drone
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• President Trump follows through on his promise to respond after Iran shot down an American Apache helicopter. We'll examine the U.S. strikes now underway and whether both sides are looking to avoid a wider war.
• Ukraine says it has recaptured more than 600 square kilometers of territory this year.
• Plus, a NATO fighter jet downs a Russian
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 9th, 2026: SHOOTDOWN: U.S. Apache Helicopter Lost Over Hormuz
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
• An American Apache helicopter was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz. We break down what happened, what may have caused the incident, and the dramatic rescue mission that followed in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.
• New data suggests the world is becoming a far more dangerous place. We'll examine a new study showing i
June 9th, 2026: Why Israel And Iran Suddenly Stepped Back From The Brink
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
After a weekend that raised fears of a broader Middle East war, Israel and Iran are once again observing a ceasefire. We examine what changed, why both sides appear reluctant to escalate further, and what the latest developments may reveal about ongoing diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is heading to Pyongyang
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 8th, 2026: Israel And Iran Are Exchanging Fire Again & ISIS Plot Against U.S. Troops
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
Missiles are once again flying between Israel and Iran after the two adversaries exchanged direct military strikes over the past 24 hours. We break down what triggered the latest confrontation, how both sides responded, and why the renewed activity of Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis is raising fears of a broader regional escal
June 8th, 2026: The Strait Of Hormuz Isn't As Closed As You Think & Ukraine's Smart Drones
In this episode of the President’s Daily Brief:
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran continues targeting ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, but new reporting suggests far more commercial vessels are making the journey than previously believed. We examine how shipping companies are navigating the dangerous waterway and the quiet role the U.S. Navy is playing in keeping ma
PDB Situation Report | June 5th, 2026: Trump Faces A New Crisis In Iran & Russia's Massive Kyiv Strike
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
Despite a ceasefire that remains technically in place, Iran launches its most damaging attack yet, raising fresh questions about whether the truce is beginning to unravel and what President Trump might do next. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery joins us to break down the latest developments and what they could mean for the region.
After weeks
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 5th, 2026: Putin Rejects Zelensky's Challenge To Meet & Inside China's Latest U.S. Spying Operation
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
First—after more than four years of war, Volodymyr Zelensky has made his most direct appeal yet to Vladimir Putin, publicly calling for face-to-face negotiations. Putin says peace is possible, but is sticking to his maximalist demands while rebuking Zelensky’s proposal to meet.
Later in the show—a U.S. citizen pleads guilty to working as an
June 5th, 2026: Putin's Own Allies Are Turning Against Him & Israel Makes A Deal With Lebanon
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief:
Cracks are beginning to emerge inside Vladimir Putin's ruling coalition as influential oligarchs, political insiders, and even some longtime war hawks question whether Russia can achieve victory in Ukraine.
A new ceasefire agreement could bring calm to Israel's northern border. We break down what's in the deal, what it means for regional secu
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