Is America About to Pull Back From the Middle East?
Is America About to Pull Back From the Middle East?
By The FirstLength 11:01
As the war with Iran continues, Washington is already confronting a major question: what should America’s military footprint in the Middle East look like when the fighting ends? Steve Yates tells Mike Baker that changes in warfare, stronger regional partners and the growing use of long-range strikes and economic pressure could allow the United States to reduce its presence without abandoning the region. He explains why America is unlikely to close its bases or withdraw entirely, but could rely more heavily on allies, mobile forces and a smaller permanent footprint. Mike Baker speaks with Steve Yates, former deputy national security advisor to the vice president, about what the Iran war has revealed, how America’s military posture has changed since 9/11, and why a pullback from the Middle East would not necessarily mean a retreat.
The Iran Conflict Just Entered a More Dangerous Phase
The Iran Conflict Just Entered a More Dangerous Phase
Length 45:46
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
• The Iran conflict enters a new phase of escalation, and Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins us to explain what the latest developments mean and where the fight could go next.
• On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we examine reports that the Pentagon is considering a smaller U.S. military footprint in the Middle East once the war with Iran ends, with Steve Yates of the Heritage Foundation joining us to discuss the potential implications.
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Could Soaring Oil Prices Break China’s Economy?
Could Soaring Oil Prices Break China’s Economy?
Length 9:00
As oil prices rise and tensions with Iran threaten global supply, Daniel Turner argues that China faces a major strategic weakness: energy dependence. Turner tells Mike Baker that China imports almost all of its oil, relies heavily on coal to power its factories, and is far more economically vulnerable than many people realize. He explains why higher oil prices could put real pressure on Beijing, while also benefiting adversaries like Vladimir Putin. Mike Baker speaks with Daniel Turner, executive director of Power the Future, about China’s dependence on foreign energy, the myth of its economic strength, and why a prolonged oil shock could become a serious geopolitical problem for Beijing.
Tanker Attacks Deepen the Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz
Tanker Attacks Deepen the Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz
Length 55:42
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
• Attacks on oil tankers and dwindling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz are pushing crude prices toward $100 a barrel. Daniel Turner, Executive Director of Power The Future, joins us to discuss what comes next for global energy markets.
• The United States and China are racing to build increasingly powerful artificial intelligence, raising new questions about whether Washington should pursue limits on the technology. Brendan Steinhauser joins us to make the case for negotiating an AI agreement with Beijing.
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Putin’s Popularity Plunges to Wartime Low
Putin’s Popularity Plunges to Wartime Low
Length 13:24
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin:
• First—Vladimir Putin is facing signs of growing public frustration at home as his approval ratings take a significant hit amid intensifying attacks from Kyiv. Could growing pressure finally change his calculations in Ukraine, or make him even more determined to find a victory he can sell back home?
• Later in the show—Israel says it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from a major underground stronghold in southern Lebanon, despite warnings from Iran against attacking the position. But the operation is also exposing just how far the two sides remain from implementing the U.S.-brokered agreement reached in June.
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U.S. Navy Admiral: Iran May Attack Before the Midterms
U.S. Navy Admiral: Iran May Attack Before the Midterms
Length 9:24
Iran may be running out of patience with the U.S. blockade. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery warns that Tehran could launch an attack against America’s Arab partners in late September or early October—potentially restarting full-scale military operations and disrupting President Trump’s strategy ahead of the midterm elections.
Mike Baker speaks with Admiral Montgomery, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about Iran’s possible next move, America’s struggle to defend Gulf infrastructure from drone attacks and the long-term strain the blockade could place on U.S. military readiness.
Mike on the left, Admiral Montgomery on the right, with an Iranian attack drone flying toward burning oil infrastructure in the Persian Gulf. A red October calendar appears behind the drone.
China Is Fueling Proxy Wars on Three Continents
China Is Fueling Proxy Wars on Three Continents
Length 10:11
Chinese technology is transforming Russia’s Iranian-designed Shahed drones into faster, deadlier weapons—including autonomous systems capable of selecting human targets without an operator. Gordon Chang argues that this is part of a much larger strategy, with Beijing using its military, technology and diplomatic support to fuel conflicts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mike Baker speaks with Gordon Chang, author of Plan Red: China’s Project to Destroy America, about China’s support for Russia and Iran, the growing China-Russia-Iran war machine and why he believes Vladimir Putin is effectively fighting a proxy war for Xi Jinping.
Iran’s Plan to Push the U.S. Navy Out of Hormuz & China Upgrades Russia’s Shaheds
Iran’s Plan to Push the U.S. Navy Out of Hormuz & China Upgrades Russia’s Shaheds
Length 56:33
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
• Iran says a proposed agreement with Oman would divide control of the Strait of Hormuz and prevent American warships from passing through the critical waterway. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery joins us to assess the implications.
• Chinese technology is transforming Russia’s Iranian-designed Shahed drones into weapons increasingly resembling low-cost cruise missiles. Author Gordon G. Chang joins us to explain what Beijing’s involvement means.
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Trump’s Iran Sanctions Could Break China’s Economy
Trump’s Iran Sanctions Could Break China’s Economy
Length 8:21
President Trump’s new sanctions campaign against Iran could have consequences far beyond Tehran. China buys roughly 80 percent of Iran’s oil—and cutting Beijing off from that supply could put enormous new pressure on an already struggling Chinese economy while sending global energy prices sharply higher.
Mike Baker speaks with Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter at The Epoch Times and host of The Josh Philipp Show, about China’s dependence on sanctioned Iranian oil, Beijing’s mounting economic vulnerabilities and why Trump’s pressure campaign could force Xi Jinping into a difficult choice.
Trump’s Iran Crackdown Could Trigger a Collision With China
Trump’s Iran Crackdown Could Trigger a Collision With China
Length 58:00
In this episode of The PDB Situation Report:
• President Trump’s plan to crush Iran’s economy may put Washington on a collision course with China, Tehran’s largest remaining oil customer. Joshua Philipp joins us to discuss whether Beijing will cooperate with the economic campaign—or keep the Iranian regime alive.
• Russia pounds Kyiv with 168 drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 16 people as Ukraine’s air defenses run dangerously short. John Hardie, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Russia Program, joins us with his analysis.
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Iran’s Regime Could Collapse Without Warning
Iran’s Regime Could Collapse Without Warning
Length 9:06
Iran’s ruling regime may appear deeply entrenched—but history has shown that seemingly unshakable governments can collapse with astonishing speed. Could growing economic pressure, internal divisions and the loss of support from Russia and China bring Tehran to a similar breaking point?
Mike Baker speaks with Victoria Coates, former deputy national security advisor and vice president at the Heritage Foundation, about the vulnerabilities inside Iran, the intelligence partnerships exposing the regime’s weaknesses and why she refuses to give up on the Iranian people.
NATO Shoots Down Mystery Drone Over Latvia & Trump Threat Intel Questioned
NATO Shoots Down Mystery Drone Over Latvia & Trump Threat Intel Questioned
Length 57:45
In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:
• A NATO fighter shoots down an unidentified drone over Latvia as Ukraine launches one of its largest attacks inside Russia, raising new concerns that the drone war is spilling across alliance borders.
• New reporting reveals U.S. intelligence could not verify the alleged Iranian missile plot that prompted President Trump’s dramatic catering-truck escape from Turkey.
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