President's Daily Brief: Situation Report

The PDB Situation Report covers key national security and foreign policy developments from the past week. Hosted by former CIA officer Mike Baker, it features analysis and interviews with subject matter experts.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report, new reports indicate Russian and Chinese companies may aid Iran in targeting US forces in the Middle East. Analyst Ryan McBeth discusses the implications. Also, Konstantin Samoilov talks about Russia's elections, which occur with no real opposition to Putin's party amid ongoing war strains.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: - Behnam Ben Taleblu discusses the escalating Iran conflict and its future. - On the 9/11 anniversary, reports suggest a smaller U.S. military presence in the Middle East post-Iran war. Steve Yates talks about the implications.

This episode discusses rising oil prices from tanker attacks and Strait of Hormuz issues, nearing $100 per barrel. Daniel Turner examines future energy impacts. The US-China AI race raises concerns about Washington limiting technology. Brendan Steinhauser suggests negotiating an AI deal with Beijing.

In The PDB Situation Report: Iran's deal with Oman may divide Strait of Hormuz control, blocking US warships. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery discusses implications. China's tech is upgrading Russia's Iranian-designed Shahed drones into cruise missile-like weapons. Author Gordon G. Chang explains Beijing's role.

President Trump's plan to harm Iran's economy risks clashing with China, Tehran's key oil buyer. Joshua Philipp explores if China will join the campaign or support Iran. Meanwhile, Russia attacks Kyiv with drones and missiles, causing 16 deaths as Ukraine's defenses deplete. John Hardie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies shares his insights.

A NATO fighter jets down a drone over Latvia, with Ukraine launching a major attack in Russia, escalating drone war worries near NATO borders. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence cannot confirm the alleged Iranian missile threat that caused President Trump to flee Turkey dramatically.

In this episode, Bill Roggio discusses America's depleted missile stockpiles and potential impacts on military readiness following the war with Iran. Steve Yates examines China's nuclear expansion and its effects on U.S. strategy and power in the Pacific.

Investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen discusses her book, Biological War: A Scenario, and the threat of engineered pathogens as weapons. Cliff May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes the latest US-Iran conflict developments and future implications.

The Iran war escalates as the Houthis join, risking wider conflict by threatening Red Sea shipping. Jonathan Schanzer discusses potential outcomes. Meanwhile, fuel shortages and Ukrainian drone strikes make life hard for Russians. Konstantin Samoilov of Inside Russia shares how the war reshapes daily life.

In this episode, ex-U.S. Air Force pilot Ryan Bodenheimer examines America's air campaign against Iran, targeting islands and coastal defenses near the Strait of Hormuz. With Russia's military struggles, Gordon Chang discusses the risk of Putin using tactical nukes in Ukraine, signals from Moscow, and what the West should watch.

The US-Iran ceasefire has fallen apart, reigniting military strikes in the Middle East. Ex-White House official Richard Goldberg discusses the conflict's triggers and the risks of broader warfare. Meanwhile, Ukraine's attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure cause fuel shortages, affecting Moscow's operations. Analyst Ryan McBeth outlines Kyiv's strategy.

Lt. General Ben Hodges discusses Ukraine's campaign against Crimea, Russia's fuel shortages, and internal pressure in Russia signaling a new war phase. Behnam Ben Taleblu analyzes U.S.-Iran talks and unresolved obstacles to an agreement. We explore the implications of these developments for the future.

Oil tankers return to the Strait of Hormuz, boosting global energy markets. Daniel Turner discusses the impact on oil prices and geopolitics. Steve Yates examines China's shift from temporary military exercises to a near-constant naval presence near Taiwan, highlighting the implications for the island's future and regional security.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report, follow-on negotiations were halted after a deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the violence's impact on the US-Iran deal's future. Plus, journalist Joshua Philipp examines the battle over AI data centers and China's potential role in opposing them, highlighting the stakes in the AI dominance race.

In The PDB Situation Report, we explore Iran's internal challenges with Alireza Jafarzadeh, amid economic and political strain. Also, five months post-Maduro's fall, we examine U.S.-Venezuela ties. Ex-CIA officer Rick de la Torre discusses opportunities, risks, and regional effects of this changing relationship.

In The President's Daily Brief: Iran launches a damaging attack despite a ceasefire, questioning the truce's stability and Trump's next move. Retired Admiral Mark Montgomery analyzes the ramifications. Later, Russia conducts a massive attack on Kyiv. George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War discusses Moscow's escalation and if it's a new war phase.

In this episode: The U.S. and Iran aim to extend their ceasefire by 60 days pending President Trump's approval. Mike and David Daoud explore its impact on Iran's nuclear program and Middle East security. Plus, Cuba faces blackouts amid fuel shortages while the U.S. files criminal charges against Raúl Castro. Mike and Hal Kempfer discuss the effects on Cuban leadership and U.S. policy.

Russia's progress in Ukraine is stalling due to Ukrainian drone attacks on logistics. Christina Harward from the Institute for the Study of War discusses if Kyiv is regaining initiative. China hosted Trump and Putin, boosting geopolitical influence, while reports suggest Chinese training of Russian troops, raising concerns about China's role in Ukraine. Gordon Chang provides analysis.

New intelligence suggests Iran retains missile capabilities despite U.S. and Israeli strikes, affecting global shipping and energy markets. Bill Roggio discusses implications. At President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, Steve Lance analyzes the potential impact on U.S.-China relations.

American destroyers face missile and drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, but Trump claims the ceasefire holds. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the rising tensions with Iran. Later, Trump readies for a pivotal summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, addressing trade, Taiwan, and Iran issues. Joshua Philipp previews the meeting and U.S.-China relations.

A security breach at a Washington event raises questions about how a gunman approached key figures. Steve Yates shares his insights from attending the dinner. Additionally, Russia's economy is under strain, with even Kremlin insiders voicing concern. Analysis is provided by Reuben Johnson of the Asia Research Centre at the Casimir Pulaski Foundation.

This week sees failed Iran negotiations, rising tension in the Strait of Hormuz, and a tenuous ceasefire. Ex-NSC official Richard Goldberg discusses behind-the-scenes events. Also, there's a warning that the U.S. is using critical munitions faster than they can be replenished, which raises concerns about military readiness. Analyst Ryan McBeth provides further insights.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: The U.S. ramps up a blockade against Iran, threatening further escalation unless Tehran yields. Ambassador Robert Joseph assesses potential outcomes. Meanwhile, Russia faces economic woes and public discontent amid government crackdowns. Konstantin Samoilov analyzes the situation.