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With Iran emboldened and America an ever more capricious security partner, Gulf countries face several post-war challenges. They should put their divides aside to tackle them. We dig one last time into our archive to chronicle American history, bringing our series up to the present day. And the mounting evidence that plants can “hear”. Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorMatt Kaplan, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Middle East geopoliticsAmerican history, semiquincentennialsplants, biology, scienceGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Iran emboldened and America an ever more capricious security partner, Gulf countries face several post-war challenges. They should put their divides aside to tackle them. We dig one last time into our archive to chronicle American history, bringing our series up to the present day. And the mounting evidence that plants can “hear”. Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorMatt Kaplan, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Middle East geopoliticsAmerican history, semiquincentennialsplants, biology, scienceGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 deal as a surrender of Lebanese sovereignty. Plus, we'll have the latest on the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, where the death toll continues to climb as rescuers race against time to find survivors beneath the rubble. And in today's Back of the Brief, we'll tell you how Somali intelligence helped U.S. authorities arrest the alleged ringleader of a massive Minnesota fraud case after locating him in Mogadishu. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Goldbelly: Celebrate America's 250th with iconic foods delivered—get free shipping and 20% off your first order at https://GOLDBELLY.com with code PDB. Lean: Get 20% off plus free rush shipping when you go to https://TAKELEAN.com and use code PDB Wild Alaskan Company: Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In August 2005, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico barrelled toward the United States. When Hurricane Katrina finally struck land, it devastated hundreds of miles of shoreline, but the disaster that captured the world's attention unfolded in one place above all: the city of New Orleans. Within hours of the storm passing, the flood defence levees meant to protect the city broke, and it began to fill with water. What followed the natural disaster was a crisis that raised profound questions about preparedness, inequality, and the ability and willingness of a modern nation to protect one of its own great cities. But why was New Orleans so vulnerable in the first place? What was the response in the wake of the hurricane and flooding? And what did the disaster reveal about the systems of engineering, government and society that were supposed to protect it? This is a Short History Of Hurricane Katrina. A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins. With thanks to Jed Horne, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of Breach of Faith: Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City. Written by Sean Coleman | Produced by Kate Simants | Production Assistant: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Katrina Hughes | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design by Mirianna Pitman-Latham and Matthew Peaty | Assembly edit by Dorry Macaulay | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cody Reynolds-Shaw Unlock the next two episodes of Short History Of… right now by subscribing to Noiser+. You'll also get ad-free listening and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network, including Real Survival Stories and Sherlock Holmes Short Stories. Just click the subscription banner at the top of the feed, or head to www.noiser.com/subscriptions to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Foreign governments have poured billions of dollars into American universities—but what comes with the money? Daily Wire Foreign Affairs Correspondent Kassy Akiva joins us to examine Qatar's growing influence on U.S. campuses, the ties between elite universities and the Gulf nation, and why critics warn those partnerships are reshaping academic programs, journalism, and the conversation around the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The number of people killed in Wednesday's powerful double earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to more than 900, with over 3,000 injured. Also: the US strikes several targets in Iran in retaliation for an alleged attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard reportedly responds by targeting US sites in the Gulf. Israel and Lebanon sign a framework agreement brokered by the US. Scientists find evidence of vast hidden magma systems inside Mars. The symphony orchestras playing live film scores in cinemas. The influence of the Spice Girls 30 years on. And the German mathematician who's predicted the winner of every World Cup since 2014. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.ukPhoto: People standing outside a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 26, 2026 after back-to-back earthquakes. Credit: REUTERS/Maxwell Briceno
Tommy Pigott, the State Department's spokesperson, has just returned from a trip to the Middle East. He was there with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with Gulf leaders about the administration's ongoing negotiations with Iran.While there, Secretary Rubio pledged the administrations commitment to helping Venezuela recover from this week's deadly earthquakes. Pigott joins us to discuss his recent trip, the Iran negotiations, and the U.S.'s role in the aftermath of Venezuela's deadly earthquake.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Christopher Harland-Dunaway and Karen Zamora.It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon and Tinbete Ermyas.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
Oil may dominate the headlines about the Middle East, but the real power often flows through water. Three narrow passages - the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and Bab el-Mandeb – shape how the world moves. In times of crisis, they've become chokepoints, disrupting global trade, rattling markets, and shifting the balance of power way beyond the region. In this episode, three stories from these waterways… how they've helped define the modern Middle East and, as we've seen recently with Hormuz, the economic currents that affect us all.Guests:Alex Von Tunzelmann, author of Blood and Sand: Suez, Hungary, and Eisenhower's Campaign for PeaceHarold Lee Wise, author of Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf, 1987-1988Farea Al-Muslimi, Yemen and Gulf researcher at Chatham House in LondonSupport shows like Throughline with NPR+. Sign up today at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
As the Middle East wakes up to an unnerving new normal following the signing of the M.O.U., Aimen and Thomas turn their attention to something truly cutting edge: the AI Arms Race that is rapidly transforming the Gulf into the front lines of a truly global U.S.-China confrontation. Aimen and Thomas discuss: Iran's drone attacks on Gulf data centres. AI in missile defence and military targeting. The physical infrastructure behind cloud computing. Cheap Gulf energy and rapid data-centre construction. The UAE–Saudi competition for AI leadership. Sheikh Tahnoon, G42 and MGX. Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN strategy. The US–China global AI rivalry. Israel's cybersecurity and military-AI role. Whether AI-generated art can be genuinely creative. Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/ Find us on X: https://x.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced and edited by Thomas Small. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
//The Wire//2300Z June 25, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: TWO MAJOR EARTHQUAKES STRIKE VENEZUELA, WIDESPREAD DEVASTATION REPORTED. SEPARATE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES JAPAN. HORMUZ CRISIS CONTINUES AS IRAN STRIKES MERCHANT FOR TAKING UNAUTHORIZED ROUTE THROUGH STRAIT. OIL PRODUCTION SHUT DOWN IN IRAQ DUE TO LACK OF TANKERS TO OFFLOAD CRUDE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Venezuela: Yesterday afternoon two major earthquakes struck just west of Caracas. The first earthquake struck shortly after 4:00pm local time, and was estimated to be a magnitude of 7.2. Less than one minute later, a separate earthquake struck in nearly the same area, measuring a magnitude of 7.5. Widespread destruction has been reported throughout La Guaira, the coastal metropolitan area that was closest to the epicenter of the quakes. Many structures within Caracas also experienced heavy damage, or were destroyed outright by the earthquakes, and major rescue and recovery operations are underway.Analyst Comment: This disaster is already one of the worst ever recorded in South America, and so far the casualty count is expected to be in the thousands. Right now, the latest figures estimate roughly 11,000 missing with thousands of people currently entrapped within collapsed buildings. Due to the complete devastation throughout much of the region, the true scale of yesterday's earthquakes may take some time to become known, though the videos that have emerged so far indicate devastation on an unfathomable scale.Japan: Overnight, another earthquake was reported off the coast of the northern province of Iwate. An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.2 struck just offshore, however not much damage was reported due to the remote nature of the epicenter.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In the Middle East, the situation has become complicated on multiple fronts. Firstly, the peace talks continue, which at this point is good news all on it's own, even if rhetoric has been flying all around. None of this rhetoric is trustworthy at the moment, but progress appears to be made toward solidifying a final deal.Another point of confusion or contention over the past 24 hours has been the complicated management of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil is flowing to some degree, and though the number of tankers transiting crude out of the Gulf is nowhere near historic norms, progress is progress. This progress was briefly derailed this morning, after Iranian forces conducted a drone strike on one vessel which was attempting to take the southern route through Omani waters. Ships have been disregarding Iranian demands to take the northern route for a few days, and this morning Iranian patience apparently ran out, and one vessel was hit. How the US responds to this will be notable, but right now the complicating factors are the discrepancies of which routes are being used by ships.More broadly, global oil futures have fallen sharply since the announcement of the MOU being signed, and gas prices are subsequently falling. However, gas prices still remain at around $4.00 per gallon nationwide, because there is still a large discrepancy between the futures prices, and the actual delivery price of crude that is being pumped off of tankers into the United States right now. As a result it is important to understand how long this recovery process will take. For instance, yesterday the West Qurna 2 petroleum facility in Iraq (one of the largest oil fields in the world) had to shut down production, because their storage tanks are full, and there are no tankers available to load onto for export. This is simply due to timing...nothing moves fast when it comes to moving tankers around the world. This is why the world may breathe a sigh of relief that the war appears to be over at this point, but we're not out of the woods just yet. The next major questions will be whether or not the complex balance of oil production and maritime shipping can stabilize before the more serious impacts arrive. And now that the Iranians have continued to demonstrate that they are willing to enforce their control of the Strait with explosives, this crisis is certainly not over.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
Register for Luminosity: RegisterSign Up for Prayer: Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliveranceDonate: Give - Orbis MinistriesIn this episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish is joined by Middle East expert and longtime ministry leader Avner Boskey for an in-depth discussion on the Iran Deal, Israel's security challenges, and the rapidly changing landscape of the Middle East.As headlines continue to focus on negotiations, ceasefires, and regional tensions, many Christians are asking important questions:What is actually in the Iran Deal? Why are Iran's proxy armies such a major concern? How do these developments affect Israel and America's allies in the region? And what role, if any, do biblical prophecies play in understanding the times we're living in?Drawing on decades of experience in Israel and extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern history, Avner provides valuable context behind the headlines while helping believers think biblically and wisely about current events.Topics Include:What the Iran Deal actually proposesIran's proxy armies and regional influenceHezbollah, Hamas, and the HouthisIsrael's current security challengesThe role of Gulf nations in the conflictGeopolitics and diplomacy in the Middle EastBiblical prophecy and current eventsWhy Christians should pay attentionDiscernment in an age of information overloadPraying for Israel and the nationsThis is a challenging, candid episode that pulls current events into a biblical frame and calls believers to sober, prayerful attention to the times.Key Takeaways:The Middle East cannot be understood without historical contextIran's influence extends far beyond its bordersRegional conflicts have global implicationsChristians should approach current events with wisdom rather than fearBiblical prophecy deserves careful and responsible studyPrayer remains a vital response to turbulent timesUnderstanding the headlines requires looking beyond the headlines
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said U.S. search-and-rescue teams were being deployed to Venezuela following deadly earthquakes. Two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital, Caracas, trapping people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks.Oil prices fell to their lowest levels since before the outbreak of the Iran war on Thursday as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued to recover, signaling that crude exports from the Gulf are steadily returning to normal and easing prolonged supply disruption fears.
President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio defend the current state of the Iran deal, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred defends the league's handling of Pride, and a growing number of countries across Latin America are shifting away from leftist governments toward conservatism. Reporting from Ben Domenech and Megan Basham. Plus, we speak with David Shedd. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.- - -Ep. 2857- - -Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3- - -Today's Sponsors:Alliance Defending Freedom - Please give your best gift now to defend the next 250 years of freedom. That's https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text WIRE to 83848.Comcast - Learn more about how Comcast is investing in a more connected America at https://ComcastCorporation.com/investmentZipRecruiter - 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Now, you can try it FOR FREE at https://ZipRecruiter.com/WIRE- - -Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacymorning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SCHEDULE JBS, 6-23-2026.1936Alan Greenspan's Legacy and the New Fed Chair. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. This segment reflects on the passing of Alan Greenspan and the transition to Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair. Peek highlights Warsh's goal to reform data collection and move away from forecasting, favoring real-time data over the traditional, often confusing, communication styles of his predecessors like Greenspan. 1The Resilient US Consumer and AI Infrastructure. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Despite concerns over tariffs and wars, consumer spending remains robust, fueled by record stock market levels and rising low-end wages. Peek argues against AI alarmism, noting that massive investments in AI infrastructure are creating a surge in blue-collar job demand for skilled trades like welding and construction. 2Critiquing the Memo of Understanding with Iran. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer describes the newly established Memo of Understanding as a "dog's breakfast" that grants the Iranian regime significant sanctions relief and upfront cash. He argues the agreement appears to be an American defeat, particularly regarding the shaky nuclear inspection protocols and the uncertain status of the Strait of Hormuz. 3Hezbollah's Role and the Fog of Middle East Diplomacy. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The discussion focuses on Hezbollah as a "wholly owned subsidiary" of Iran, with the IRGC directing its activities in Lebanon. Schanzer criticizes the administration for expecting Israel to adhere to a ceasefire while Iran continues to provoke attacks, labeling the current diplomatic strategy as improvised and potentially harmful. 4Secretary Rubio's Reassurance Mission to Gulf Allies. Guest: Mary Kissel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to the Gulf to reassure the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain of U.S. security commitments following Iranian attacks. Kissel criticizes the administration for granting Iran sanctions relief and 60-day exemptions, arguing that the diplomatic effort prioritizes "hope over experience" regarding Iranian nuclear ambitions. 5The Impact of Foreign Policy on Domestic Midterms. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel examines whether foreign policy influences American voters, noting it is rare compared to "pocketbook" issues like inflation and interest rates. She warns that adversarial regimes like Iran and China are sophisticated observers of the U.S. electoral calendar and may attempt to influence domestic politics. 6Kevin Warsh's Reformist Vision for the Federal Reserve. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg analyzes Kevin Warsh's first FOMC meeting, noting a shift toward shorter policy statements and the removal of the "dot plot" forecasting tool. Warsh is initiating five task forces to reform the Fed's intellectual framework, specifically targeting productivity, data quality, and balance sheet management. 7The Turmoil of British Leadership and the Labour Party. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. This segment explores the potential replacement of Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister. Sternberg argues that Labour's struggles go beyond charisma, involving a lack of clear economic direction and the failure to address core voter concerns like the broken NHS and illegal immigration. 8The Geopolitical Chessboard of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley discusses the power struggles within Iran and the strategic card of the Strait of Hormuz. He notes that while the strait is "more or less open," the situation remains in flux, with regional players like Turkey seeking to thwart Iranian ambitions in the Mediterranean. 9Xi Jinping's Strategic Outreach to North Korea. Guest: Gregory Copley. Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang is seen as a move to reassert Chinese influence over North Korea as Kim Jong-un shifts away from communist identity. Kim is positioning himself as an equal to Xi while strengthening his ties with Russia, creating a complex ideological shift in the region. 10British Political Fragmentation and the Immigration Crisis. Guest: Gregory Copley. Britain has seen seven prime ministers in ten years due to political fragmentation over illegal immigration and European relations. Copley suggests that the Labour Party is failing to represent the British working class, which favors traditional values and stricter border controls, leading to a rise in alternative parties. 11The Crown as a Symbol of British Identity. Guest: Gregory Copley. Amidst political instability, King Charles III is viewed as a dynamic symbol of national dignity and continuity. The segment discusses the King's role in stabilizing the United Kingdom following Prime Minister Starmer's resignation and managing sensitive royal family matters to preserve the image of the monarchy. 12Recovering the Original Understanding of Unalienable Rights. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz reflects on the 2019 Commission on Unalienable Rights, which sought to ground human rights in the American founding tradition. The commission aimed to counter the "proliferating industry" of rights that often serves partisan progressive ends, emphasizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' original austere framework. 13Unalienable Rights and the Challenge of Foreign Policy. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. This segment discusses applying founding principles to modern diplomacy, specifically condemning the Chinese Communist Party's crimes against the Uyghurs. Berkowitz argues that despite economic entanglements, the United States must maintain its dedication to universal principles and use its diplomatic toolbox to address massive human rights violations. 14The Strategic Failure of the Iran Memo of Understanding. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter analyzes the Memo of Understanding, highlighting unresolved issues like the Strait of Hormuz and the $80 billion war funding request. He argues the administration is trying to make kinetic action palatable to voters while failing to secure meaningful concessions on Iran's nuclear program or its sponsorship of terrorism. 15The Republican Fissures and Potential Third-Party Movements. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. The discussion centers on Tucker Carlson's potential departure from the Republican Party over foreign policy disagreements. McCotter suggests this reflects deeper fault lines within the MAGA base, where isolationist tendencies and dissatisfaction with the administration's relationship with allies like Israel could lead to future political discord. 16
Secretary Rubio's Reassurance Mission to Gulf Allies. Guest: Mary Kissel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to the Gulf to reassure the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain of U.S. security commitments following Iranian attacks. Kissel criticizes the administration for granting Iran sanctions relief and 60-day exemptions, arguing that the diplomatic effort prioritizes "hope over experience" regarding Iranian nuclear ambitions. 51936
//The Wire//2300Z June 24, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: OPERATION TO ORGANIZE EVACUATION OF PERSIAN GULF UNDERWAY AS MERCHANT SHIPS PREPARE TO TRANSIT THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ. DOZENS OF SUSPECTED TERRORISTS ARRESTED IN TURKEY BEFORE NATO SUMMIT.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Strait of Hormuz: Coordination efforts have begun regarding the large-scale evacuation of ships through the waterway. Due to the humanitarian crisis which has stricken over 11,000 mariners on almost 2,000 ships throughout the Gulf, efforts are underway by Iran, Oman, and the United States to organize an orderly movement through the now vastly restricted waterway.Analyst Comment: This time, the Iranians seem to be on board with the idea of a mass exodus of stranded vessels from the Gulf. The International Maritime Organization has advised ships to hold fast until a more solidified plan can be arranged, which is taking some time to coordinate due to the minefield greatly restricting the navigable passages and making collisions much more likely if hundreds of ships try to move all at once. Similarly, many vessels are now in a poor state of repair after having been at anchor in warm salt water for several months, so the chances of a ship having mechanical issues of some kind is very high, which is less than ideal in a crowded traffic scheme where naval mines are still a concern.Turkey: Counterterrorism raids have swept through Ankara as part of the increased security efforts ahead of the upcoming NATO summit. During the raids, approximately 200x individuals suspected to be affiliated with ISIS have been arrested, with at least one raid resulting in a shootout between the suspect and police.Analyst Comment: The ISIS presence within Turkey has been expanding for a while, as Turkey has taken on a substantial number of refugees, most of which came from Syria during the civil war a few years ago.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - Due to the growing vandalism incidents, yesterday work crews were observed putting up fencing around some sections of the reflecting pool, as the renovation project continues and public interest in the project continues to grow.Analyst Comment: This would ordinarily be a non-story that is more of an annoyance than anything else. However this is becoming more of a significant point of pushing back against the Executive branch. Once egos get involved on all sides, something as mundane as a pool lining can become a point for escalation.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Discrepancies continue to mount in the Middle East as the finer details of the MOU are being worked out. The past few days have been host to the United States making claims regarding what the Iranians have agreed to, which the Iranians have promptly rejected. Yesterday, many American diplomats stated that Iran had agreed to let IAEA inspectors back in to their country to monitor nuclear sites. Immediately after these statements, the Iranian foreign ministry directly stated that this was not true, and that no inspectors would be allowed in. Similarly, President Trump stated that Iran has also agreed to not charge any fees after the 60-day negotiating period is over. Iranian diplomats have frequently stated that this is not true, and that an "insurance fee" will be charged moving forward. Oman also issued a statement confirming that fees will be charged by Iran in the future. During periods of negotiation, statements tend to be made not exactly in the interest of truth, but for reasons of securing a more favorable position. When we reach a point of where both sides are accusing each other of lying about easily verifiable facts, the only thing to do is wait and see what the truth works out to be.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
In this hard-hitting episode of the Adult in the Room podcast, Victoria Taft breaks down a massive week of institutional victories, thwarted conspiracies, and pure leftist absurdity. First, we unpack a monumental 6-3 Supreme Court victory for the Constitution and border security. The court has ruled that the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) does not require border officers to present "clear and convincing evidence" before treating criminal green card holders as returning aliens subject to immediate removal proceedings. Then, real justice strikes in Fort Worth, Texas. In the first federal Antifa terrorism prosecution in U.S. history, eight members of a North Texas Antifa terror cell have been sentenced to a combined 450 years in federal prison for a coordinated shooting ambush on an ICE facility. Victoria exposes the ringleaders, the weapons, and the delusion behind this militant cell. Plus: Two more fast-moving FBI arrests reveal terrifying new details of a 3D-printed drone and sniper plot targeting the White House UFC Freedom 250 event. We also dive into an emergency Iran SITREP as Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to the Gulf to manage fracturing alliances over the controversial 14-point ceasefire deal, right as the IDF uncovers an underground drone airbase in Lebanon. Finally, we look at the pure comedy of "Team Algae" activists vandalizing the D.C. reflecting pool, and offer a heartfelt tribute to the legendary talk radio host Martha Zoller.
On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben, Brett, and Jordy break down Donald Trump's stunning reversal on Iran after months of bluster, as his regime quietly unfreezes billions in Iranian funds and issues sweeping sanctions relief on Iranian oil and petrochemicals. They also unpack the increasingly bizarre spectacle unfolding in Washington, where Trump is blaming "Antifa" for allegedly throwing feces into the algae-infested Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool of his own making, while undercover officers arrest people for simply touching the water. Plus, the brothers cover major international developments, including political upheaval in the United Kingdom, Trump's escalating attacks on key U.S. allies including the UK, Italy, and NATO, high-stakes diplomacy involving the Gulf states, Iran, and Oman, and Ukraine's latest offensive operations deep inside Russia. Ben, Brett, and Jordy break it all down! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As a record-breaking heatwave continues in western Europe, the United Nations has warned that fossil fuels are driving a climate crisis. France has endured its hottest night in more than eighty years and temperatures are expected to climb above 41C. Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK are also sweltering. Also: the European Union issues single-day visas to a Taliban delegation to attend a migration meeting in Brussels, despite not recognising the government in Afghanistan; the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to the Gulf for high-stakes talks with Arab allies; a major ransomware attack in Romania forces a hundred hospitals offline; Sri Lanka battles its worst dengue outbreak in years; a new study suggests people may be biologically ageing faster than previous generations, raising questions about a rise in early-onset cancers; and we look at the economic impact of Cape Verde's remarkable run at the mens football World Cup, as the tiny Atlantic island nation enjoys global attention.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.ukPhoto: People cool off in the Trocadero Fountain next to the Eiffel Tower as temperatures rise during a heatwave affecting a large part of the country, in Paris, France, June 22, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
Resurgent Piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Guest: Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio. Bridget Toomey reports a resurgence of Somali piracy, with three ships recently captured for ransom in the Gulf of Aden. Bill Roggio links this spike to Al-Shabaab's growth and suggests that pirate networks may be coordinating with the Houthis to facilitate weapons smuggling and increase regional instability. 101721
SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-22-26.1787The Fog of Diplomacy in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Ambassador Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Guests discuss competing headlines regarding "progress" in US-Iran negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador Haqqani notes neither side has achieved its original war aims, while Bill Roggio argues the US lacks the military will to reopen the Strait, leaving Iran with the strategic advantage. 1Pakistan as a Strategic Mediator. Guest: Ambassador Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. John Batchelor examines Pakistan's role as a mediator between the United States and Iran. Ambassador Haqqani explains that Pakistan provided an "exit ramp" for the Trump administration by utilizing its unique access to the IRGC and Iran's power structure to facilitate communication and avoid further military escalation. 2Hamas Sidelined in Regional Talks. Guest: Samuel Ben-Ur and Bill Roggio. Samuel Ben-Ur explains why Hamas has been sidelined in recent Iranian negotiations compared to Hezbollah. Relations soured when Hamas failed to support Iranian strikes against Qatari targets. Currently, Hamas remains funded by Qatar and Turkey while maintaining a brutal "reign of terror" over the portions of Gaza it still controls. 3The Legality and Lethality of Armed Conflict. Guest: Henry Sokolski. Henry Sokolski analyzes a public memo from Admiral Brad Cooper regarding the legitimacy of lethal force. They discuss the necessity of proportionality in conflict, arguing that avoiding civilian targets like nuclear reactors is a military requirement for success, as destroying essential infrastructure alienates populations and complicates future operations. 4Latin America's Shift to the Right. Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Guests discuss the right-wing political shift in Latin America following Abelardo De La Espriella's apparent victory in Colombia. They compare his security-focused platform to the Bukele model in El Salvador, emphasizing a mandate to combat the organized crime that has historically penetrated the region's political systems. 5The Slow-Motion Coup in Bolivia. Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. The segment addresses the crisis in Bolivia, where Evo Morales is accused of orchestrating a "slow motion coup" via blockades. Ernesto Araújo criticizes Brazilian President Lula's silence on the matter, while Alejandro Peña Esclusa suggests that regional support for the elected government may finally lead to Morales facing legal consequences. 6The Failure to Counter Chinese Influence. Guest: Bill Gertz and Gordon Chang. Bill Gertz details a GAO report revealing that the US spent $1.2 billion on countering Chinese influence without evaluating its impact. The discussion highlights the superior effectiveness of Chinese information warfare, which outspends the US significantly to shape global narratives while American efforts lack a cohesive strategy. 7The Crisis in Air Force Procurement. Guest: General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang. General Blaine Holt critiques the broken US procurement system, specifically the Air Force's contradictory stance on retiring the A-10 Warthog while keeping the B-52 bomber for a century. He advocates for reform to break contractor monopolies, allowing the military to innovate faster and field cheaper equipment. 8Iran's Economic Demands in Switzerland. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio. Jonathan Schanzer argues that Iran is seeking a systemic economic lifeline through billions in unfrozen assets. He criticizes recent US oil waivers as a sign of caving to pressure. Iran aims to link a Lebanon ceasefire to negotiations to delay nuclear discussions and drive a wedge. 9Resurgent Piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Guest: Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio. Bridget Toomey reports a resurgence of Somali piracy, with three ships recently captured for ransom in the Gulf of Aden. Bill Roggio links this spike to Al-Shabaab's growth and suggests that pirate networks may be coordinating with the Houthis to facilitate weapons smuggling and increase regional instability. 10The Flaws of the Iran Memorandum. Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio. Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the current US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, calling it a failure of negotiation that incorporates "every Iranian trick." He argues Iran's core goals—the destruction of Israel and the expulsion of US influence—remain unchanged, and that the US has displayed a defeatist lack of patience. 11Eurasian Interests in Middle East Conflict. Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio. Guests discuss how Russia and China are benefiting from America's Middle East difficulties, often frustrating US objectives on the nuclear file. Fitton-Brown notes the Europeans have been "anemic," failing to coordinate a forceful naval presence to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains reliably open for global energy trade. 12Ukraine's Military Manpower Crisis. Guest: John Hardie and Bill Roggio. John Hardie discusses Ukrainian military reforms aimed at addressing the manpower crisis by clarifying pay and contract lengths. While intended to prevent desertion, there is skepticism that the government can fulfill promises to discharge long-serving troops without risking a collapse of the front lines against Russia. 13Hezbollah's Shadow Banking System. Guest: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio. Ahmad Sharawi examines Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial arm that provides social services and interest-free loans outside the official banking system. Although Israel has targeted its branches, the Lebanese government is hesitant to shut it down, allowing it to sustain the group's operations through gold-backed financing. 14The $216 Billion Rebuild of Syria. Guest: Josh Rogin and Bill Roggio. Josh Rogin reports that Syria requires $216 billion for reconstruction following the fall of the Assad regime. He explains that US "State Sponsor of Terrorism" sanctions prevent American businesses from bidding on contracts, leaving an opening for Chinese and Russian technology to dominate the new government's infrastructure. 15Recommendations for a New Syria Policy. Guest: Josh Rogin and Bill Roggio. Josh Rogin recommends that the US prepare to lift the terrorism designation on Syria to support reconstruction and counter adversarial influence. He argues the current Al-Shara government is the only viable partner for stability and that US bureaucratic inertia is currently benefiting China, Russia, and Iran. 16
After direct talks with Iran, Vice President JD Vance is heading home and Secretary Rubio will now head to the region. A look at what he hopes to accomplish after conflicting reports about what the vice president got done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bill talks with national security analyst Joe Cirincione about Trump's shifting claims on Iran and argues the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) functions as a ceasefire and “surrender document” after a war the U.S. and Israel could not win. Cirincione says the MOU mainly restores shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while leaving core U.S. objectives—curbing Iran's uranium enrichment and missile forces—unmet and deferred to talks, and he notes Trump's renewed threats violate the pledge to refrain from force or threats of force. He contrasts the deal with the JCPOA, the Obama Nuclear Deal, saying Trump lifts broader sanctions than the JCPOA, allows Iran to sell oil, and leaves Iran geopolitically stronger, with demonstrated leverage over the strait and Gulf economies. They discuss costs rising from Pentagon estimates to broader economic impacts, Netanyahu's (and Trump's) massive miscalculation and political fallout here and in Israel. Jared Kushner's role and conflicts, and broader alliance strains including NATO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today on The Gist, the alarming strategic ramifications of the $300 billion in indirect Gulf state investments heading to Iran as a ceasefire condition. Then, foreign policy expert Michael A. Cohen of the Stimson Center joins the show to discuss his co-authored report evaluating the hidden costs, failures, and hubris of recent U.S. military campaigns in Venezuela and Iran. Cohen breaks down why the Trump administration completely failed to anticipate second-order consequences like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, how the precision assassination of the Ayatollah counterproductively empowered pro-nuclear hardliners, and how Benjamin Netanyahu's domestic military overreach in Lebanon completely alienated his superpower benefactor. Produced by Corey Wara Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact sales@amplitudemediapartners.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.