By The FirstFormer U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli joins Mike Baker to discuss Iran’s opposition forces—and why calls to restore the Shah’s monarchy only help the Islamic regime. Torricelli explains what real regime change would require—and who might be capable of leading it.
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Is America About to Pull Back From the Middle East?
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
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?
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
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
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
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.