Podcasts about Iran

Trump starts a trade war with Canada, announces “Economic D-Day” against Iran, while Russia deploys AI killer drones in Ukraine.Tommy and Ben break down the collapse of US-Canada trade negotiations, the politics animating Prime Minister Mark Carney's tough talk, and why a trade war carries long-term economic risks for Canada. Then the Trump administration threatens an “Economic D-Day” against Iran, which so far seems like an empty threat. In Ukraine, Russia has deployed autonomous drones that select their own targets using artificial intelligence, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes a mysterious trip to Moscow, and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham makes his first foreign trip to Kyiv and promises long-range missiles. The Pentagon fires the publisher, editor-in-chief, and a reporter from the military's own newspaper, “Stars and Stripes,” for speaking about the importance of editorial independence. And the guys dig into the rise of El Salvador's Nayib Bukele as the unlikely standard-bearer for a new wave of hard-right Latin American leaders, and show some terrifying and funny videos from the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games. Then Ben interviews award-winning filmmaker Poh Si Teng and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa about the new documentary, American Doctor, that exposes the gut-wrenching experiences of doctors who went to Gaza to help, and the battle to force change back in Washington, D.C.Hate listening to ads? Become a Friends of the Pod subscriber for ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, Runaway Country, Offline with Jon Favreau, and more—plus exclusive content, including bonus episodes of Pod Save America. Subscribe now at crooked.com/friends, on Apple Podcasts, or through the Pod Save America YouTube channel.To watch this episode with subtitles, click here and turn on closed captions (CC).You can request a transcript by emailing transcripts@crooked.com. Include the podcast name, episode title, and air date. Please allow 48 hours for delivery.

Glenn brings on President Donald Trump to discuss a variety of issues, including the death of Dolly Parton, the CIA director flying to Russia, the potential death of the ayatollah, and the rise of Islam and what we can do to stop it in America. President Trump also discusses the affordability crisis hitting America, the lowering of beef prices, and the state of Israel under his presidency. Glenn takes calls from his audience to get their thoughts on his interview with the president. Glenn shares how he and his wife reacted to Dolly Parton's death and why people like Dolly Parton are rare in today's society. Glenn goes through all the ways Dolly made the country better and highlights how she treated everybody with kindness and love. Younger generations argue that President Trump isn't doing enough to fix the economy, but Glenn lays out why he believes that view is inaccurate. Glenn gives the history lesson that he would share with the president. Glenn and Rikki further discuss Glenn's interview with President Trump and dive into his answer regarding making Sharia law illegal.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: Bill looks at Atlantic contributing writer Robert Kagan's claims about Iran during his appearance on Erin Burnett's CNN show, OutFront. Matt Calkins, sports columnist, discusses his column on the Sophie Cunningham situation that was spiked by The Seattle Times and why he quit the organization. Bill breaks down the situation between President Trump and Canada. Trump scores two wins as the Supreme Court is allowing his White House ballroom construction to continue and opening the door to mail-ballot restrictions before the midterms. Final Thought: Bill's plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 26, 2026 – 6am: Dolly Parton dies at age 80 Alex Pretti's family publicly calls for accountability for his death Hegseth purge of top generals leaves Army rudderless: NYT The warnings that came before the war: WSJ Remembering the life and legacy of music icon Dolly Parton Britian to share long-range missile tech with Ukraine To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Legendary Dolly Parton is gone. She died Tuesday at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by loved ones, four days after she was admitted. The type of cancer was not disclosed. Team Dolly said she spent her life putting joy, laughter, hope, and integrity into everything she touched and that her generosity reached people she would never meet. She donated hundreds of millions of books through the Imagination Library. A girl from a two-room cabin in the Smokies who wrote "Jolene" and "9 to 5," and she still wanted to be remembered as the book lady. Pat and the crew take the news the way a lot of regular Americans are taking it: not as another celebrity recap, but as the loss of someone who felt like she belonged to the whole country. The quiet health fight. The nephew who had been asked years ago to record the goodbye. Flags at half-staff. And the part that landed hardest — she kept working, kept joking, and kept mailing books to other people's children until the end. Pat also covered: Day 74: Mitch McConnell still holding America hostage WNBA team Chicago Sky ban Enes Freedom from home games Trump wants Lake Ontario renamed “Lake America” after the Canada trade fight went nuclear Iran puts a $10 million bounty on Barron Trump Trump throws more gas on Ilhan Omar marrying her brother Did Dolly Parton represent something America doesn't make anymore? If a kid in your house ever got those books in the mail, what did that mean to your family? If you want unfiltered truth and commonsense analysis that cuts through the noise, hit subscribe and turn on notifications. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:40 Day 74 of the Government Claiming Mitch McConnell is Alive 02:48 R.I.P. Dolly Parton 06:38 FLASHBACK: Top 10 Dolly Parton Pet Peeves 12:11 More Updates on the War with Iran 15:55 Trump's Tweet on the Strait of Hormuz 17:33 Canada's Land Acknowledgement at Press Conference 20:44 China Continuing to do Business with Iran 21:52 CIA in Moscow??? 23:02 Iran Threatening Barron Trump?! 26:08 Volodymyr Zelenskyy Refuses to Hold an Election 31:02 Will Pat's Home Renovation ever be Completed? 32:32 Chewing the Fat 48:15 Jeffy the Bone-Headed Apologist 49:00 Kacey Musgraves Divides her Fans 50:02 Pat LOATHES the WNBA! 54:25 Zohran Mamdani's Grocery Stores are in Trouble 56:31 Kathy Hochul Bans Cooperation between Law Enforcement & ICE 1:00:02 Michelle Wu on the Somali Community 1:05:39 Fake Product Advertisements 1:08:18 Fake Celebrity Stories 1:12:14 50th Anniversary of Boston's First Album 1:13:47 Care International Donates $175,000 to El-Sayed's Campaign 1:14:36 El-Sayed Wants Reparations NOW! 1:17:09 Will Trump have Ilhan Omar Deported? 1:19:31 Sheriff Bob Fletcher at Minnesota State Fair 1:24:24 National Debt Hits $40 Trillion 1:28:26 Clarence Thomas Talks on Ted Cruz' Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump's Iran war nears six months as his hold on the GOP is tested in key races. Also, Democrats campaign on Trump's unpopular war and economy. Plus, Democrats renew a lawsuit challenging Trump's mail-in voting order. And Canada retaliates with up to 50% tariffs on U.S. products. Ali Velshi, Ben Rhodes, Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek, Andrew Weissmann, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dave Smith brings you the latest in politics! On this episode of Part Of The Problem, Dave and Robbie "the Fire" Bernstein discuss the press conference by Scott Bessent in which he gave an ultimatum to other countries working with Iran, Trump's Truth Social post in which he pivots the Iran war back to a "humanitarian effort, Glen Beck's take on the war, and more.Support Our Sponsors:My Patriot Supply - http://preparelikedave.comHexclad - Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get10% off at https://hexclad.com/PROBLEM! #hexcladpartnerProlon - https://prolonlife.com/potpVanMan - https://vanman.shop/DAVEPart Of The Problem is available for early pre-release at https://partoftheproblem.com as well as an exclusive episode on Thursday!PORCH TOUR DATES HERE:https://robbernsteincomedy.com/eventsFind Run Your Mouth here:YouTube - http://youtube.com/@RunYourMouthiTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/run-your-mouth-podcast/id1211469807Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4ka50RAKTxFTxbtyPP8AHmFollow the show on social media:X:http://x.com/ComicDaveSmithhttp://x.com/RobbieTheFireInstagram:http://instagram.com/theproblemdavesmithhttp://instagram.com/robbiethefire#libertarian See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this exclusive interview with Jimmy, former Trump stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene calls the President a "traitor" for betraying his "no more foreign wars" promise and covering up the Epstein files to protect his friends. She also condemns his foreign beef import plan as a "slap in the face" to American ranchers, accusing him of putting corporate interests and Israel ahead of the American people.  The fallout began when Trump launched the Iran war and escalated after Greene publicly demanded the release of the Epstein files, leading Trump to call her "Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene". She argues that neither party represents working Americans, pointing to $40 trillion in debt and the H-1B visa program as examples of how Congress works for lobbyists, not the people. Plus segments on why Trump's new sanctions on Iran are doomed to fail and Andrew Wilson's epic flip-flop on questioning the FBI's story about who killed Charlie Kirk. Also featuring Stef Zamorano and Mike MacRae. And a phone call from JD Vance!

A.M. Edition for Aug. 26. President Trump sends his landmark nuclear accord with Saudi Arabia to Congress for review, kicking off what's likely to be months of debate among lawmakers. Oxford Analytica's Rawan Maayeh breaks down whether the kingdom is likely to normalize relations with Israel as a part of the deal, as Trump has insisted. Plus, Bill Gates issues a stark warning on AI's impact on jobs and humanity, saying big tech has “no plan”. And we look ahead to Nvidia's earnings, with sky-high investor expectations for the world's most valuable company. And Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mary Kissel, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, analyzes Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, asserting that its success relies on penalizing large Chinesefinancial institutions. However, Beijing holds significant economic and military leverage over the US, including export controls on critical minerals. Regarding North America, Kissel describes the escalating trade war with Canada as a "loser's game" driven by domestic politics. She stresses that the 50% tariffs on essential materials like Canadianaluminum and auto parts disrupt deeply integrated supply chains. Consequently, this trade conflict severely harms ordinary consumers and threatens Republican control of key Senate seats in critical border states of Maine and Michigan. (3)

Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, evaluates the Treasury's initial tranches of secondary sanctions targeting entities trading with Iran, including firms in China and the UAE. Although these measures stop short of targeting major Chinese banks, they provide President Trump with leverage ahead of his Washington summit with Xi Jinping. Within the Middle East, Schanzer warns that regional powers are hedging their bets. Saudi Arabia may be negotiating a separate peace with the Houthis and Iran, which could undermine US sanctions. Additionally, the US controversially rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terror status following the rapid rise of former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Shara. (2)

CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-25-2026COVER OF FANTASTIC MAGAZINE OCTOBER 1961Liz Peek, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy, noting that small businesses are reporting strong hiring and profitability growth based on broad National Federation of Independent Business and Bank of America data. While consumer spending remains robust, recent data reveals a K-shaped economy, where higher-income homeowners spend extensively on renovations while lower-income consumers trade down at Walmart. Rising interest rates present a critical challenge, slamming the housing market and significantly increasing interest payments on the massive national debt. Lastly, the administration's tariff conflict with Canada is criticized as a major, highly unfortunate, and economically damaging political mistake. (1)Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, evaluates the Treasury's initial tranches of secondary sanctions targeting entities trading with Iran, including firms in China and the UAE. Although these measures stop short of targeting major Chinese banks, they provide President Trump with leverage ahead of his Washington summit with Xi Jinping. Within the Middle East, Schanzer warns that regional powers are hedging their bets. Saudi Arabia may be negotiating a separate peace with the Houthis and Iran, which could undermine US sanctions. Additionally, the US controversially rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terror status following the rapid rise of former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Shara. (2)Mary Kissel, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, analyzes Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, asserting that its success relies on penalizing large Chinesefinancial institutions. However, Beijing holds significant economic and military leverage over the US, including export controls on critical minerals. Regarding North America, Kissel describes the escalating trade war with Canada as a "loser's game" driven by domestic politics. She stresses that the 50% tariffs on essential materials like Canadianaluminum and auto parts disrupt deeply integrated supply chains. Consequently, this trade conflict severely harms ordinary consumers and threatens Republican control of key Senate seats in critical border states of Maine and Michigan. (3)Colonel Jeff McCausland, US Army (Retired) and Visiting Professor at Dickinson College, warns that the US foreign policy process has collapsed under President Trump, who relies on personal loyalty over expert advice. This is illustrated by Trump's sudden decision to reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises without notifying allies. McCausland argues this undercuts South Korea while offering concessions to a nuclear-armed dictator, Kim Jong-un, who actively supplies weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war. Furthermore, he criticizes the "economic D-Day" against Iran as highly insincere given key delays in sanctioning China, and strongly condemns the trade war against Canada, a loyal ally with a rich military history. (4)Gregory Copley, editor of Defense & Foreign Affairs, argues that the US sanctions regime against Iran is strategic signaling that makes Washington look weak, as it ignores China's trade dominance and threatens relations with India. He also views the Canadian trade dispute as a strategic failure that weakens the NORAD treaty and forces Canada to act independently in the Arctic. This unpredictability has alienated European allies, who are now bypassing the US to negotiate directly on Ukraine. Additionally, Copley analyzes post-Petro Colombia, detailing how the energetic new president faces massive domestic security issues, narco-trafficking networks, and the grounding of critical disaster relief aircraft under sanctions. (5)Thaddeus McCotter, former US Representative from Michigan and columnist for American Greatness, details the severe political and economic fallout of Trump's trade war with Canada, noting that insulting rhetoric like the "51st state" remark has politically boosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He explains that border states like Michigan and Maine share deep commercial integration, meaning 50% tariffs will directly harm their local economies. This unvetted policy blindsided senior Republican legislators, including Susan Collins, who openly opposed the tariffs and avoided a campaign rally with Vice President Vance. Ultimately, McCotter warns that these tariffs jeopardize critical Senate seats in highly contested swing states, giving rival Democrats a very major campaign advantage. (6)Judy Dempsey, Senior Scholar in Berlin for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with co-host Thaddeus McCotter: Dempsey describes European Baltic and Nordic leaders flocking to Kyiv, yet warns that "moral outrage" lacks a cohesive strategic plan to negotiate an end to the war. She highlights the rising prominence of the pro-Russian, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in state elections. Interestingly, an ideological rift has emerged as radical AfD factions in East Germany sour on MAGA due to Trump's policies on Iran. McCotter delivers a severe critique of the MAGA-AfD relationship, arguing MAGA should never have "played footsies" with neo-Nazis, and asserting the AfD is fundamentally aligned with Vladimir Putin rather than the United States—their temporary embrace of MAGA merely a superficial attraction. Although West Germans have abandoned historical sentiments toward Russiadue to the Ukraine invasion, East Germany remains deeply split, harboring lingering sentimental pro-Russian views and separate post-unification cultural dynamics. (7)Note: segment 7 came with a separate co-host block for McCotter, so I've folded his critique into the single paragraph after Dempsey's material — flag me if you'd rather run his commentary as its own standalone file.

Judy Dempsey, Senior Scholar in Berlin for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with co-host Thaddeus McCotter: Dempsey describes European Baltic and Nordic leaders flocking to Kyiv, yet warns that "moral outrage" lacks a cohesive strategic plan to negotiate an end to the war. She highlights the rising prominence of the pro-Russian, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in state elections. Interestingly, an ideological rift has emerged as radical AfD factions in East Germany sour on MAGA due to Trump's policies on Iran. McCotter delivers a severe critique of the MAGA-AfD relationship, arguing MAGA should never have "played footsies" with neo-Nazis, and asserting the AfD is fundamentally aligned with Vladimir Putin rather than the United States—their temporary embrace of MAGA merely a superficial attraction. Although West Germans have abandoned historical sentiments toward Russiadue to the Ukraine invasion, East Germany remains deeply split, harboring lingering sentimental pro-Russian views and separate post-unification cultural dynamics. (7)

Gregory Copley, editor of Defense & Foreign Affairs, argues that the US sanctions regime against Iran is strategic signaling that makes Washington look weak, as it ignores China's trade dominance and threatens relations with India. He also views the Canadian trade dispute as a strategic failure that weakens the NORAD treaty and forces Canada to act independently in the Arctic. This unpredictability has alienated European allies, who are now bypassing the US to negotiate directly on Ukraine. Additionally, Copley analyzes post-Petro Colombia, detailing how the energetic new president faces massive domestic security issues, narco-trafficking networks, and the grounding of critical disaster relief aircraft under sanctions. (5)

Colonel Jeff McCausland, US Army (Retired) and Visiting Professor at Dickinson College, warns that the US foreign policy process has collapsed under President Trump, who relies on personal loyalty over expert advice. This is illustrated by Trump's sudden decision to reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises without notifying allies. McCausland argues this undercuts South Korea while offering concessions to a nuclear-armed dictator, Kim Jong-un, who actively supplies weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war. Furthermore, he criticizes the "economic D-Day" against Iran as highly insincere given key delays in sanctioning China, and strongly condemns the trade war against Canada, a loyal ally with a rich military history. (4)

As the Trump administration launches economic wars against Iran and Canada, the Washington Post reports on Trump's war with a third adversary: his weight. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett calculate Trump's BMI and then break down Scott Bessent invoking World War II when announcing new Iranian sanctions and Trump's new 50% tariffs on Canadian imports. They then turn to the midterms to discuss Susan Collins skipping out on a campaign event with JD Vance, Mike Rogers' attempt to distance himself from AIPAC, and Democrats' growing chances to flip Ohio blue. Then, Congressman Seth Moulton talks to Jon about the Massachusetts Senate primary and why he's decided to challenge Senator Ed Markey.

The Trump administration rolled out what it calls the biggest economic offensive ever aimed at a country, naming 60 targets while warning others to cut ties with Iran or face U.S. sanctions of their own, though the toughest measures are still being held in reserve.In the Gulf, the UAE has already cut all trade with Iran while other neighbors remain in a difficult position, and China continues to buy the bulk of Iranian oil even as it criticizes the new pressure campaign.The Supreme Court handed President Trump a temporary win on his effort to restrict mail-in voting weeks before midterm ballots go out, though the legal fight is far from settled and voting by mail still remains an option for now.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.Today's episode of Up First was edited by James Hider, Kate Bartlett, Ben Swasey, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Julie Depenbrock and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:56) Trump's Economic D-Day For Iran(05:35) Gulf Allies React To US Plan(09:07) SCOTUS Mail-in VotingSee 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

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson Ben examines the Trump administration’s latest sanctions strategy against Iran, the significance of increased commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the impact of the ongoing naval blockade, and reports that the United Arab Emirates has suspended trade ties with Tehran. They discuss how economic pressure, regional diplomacy, and energy markets are shaping the next phase of the conflict and what these developments could mean for Iran’s leadership and broader Middle East stability. Iran is under mounting economic pressure as renewed U.S. sanctions, a naval blockade, and shifting regional alliances tighten the squeeze on Tehran. With shipping traffic reportedly increasing through the Strait of Hormuz while Iran’s oil exports fall, the debate is shifting from military confrontation to whether economic isolation can force the regime to change course. President Trump has announced what he calls the most aggressive economic campaign ever directed at a foreign government, arguing that Iran failed to take opportunities for negotiation and now faces unprecedented financial consequences. At the same time, reports of a collapsing currency, shrinking trade channels, and new restrictions from regional partners have fueled questions about the regime’s long-term stability. Topics Covered: President Trump’s “Economic D-Day” sanctions announcement Shipping traffic and security in the Strait of Hormuz The impact of the U.S. naval blockade on Iran’s economy The decline of Iran’s currency and growing inflation pressures The United Arab Emirates’ reported suspension of trade with Iran Global efforts to isolate Tehran through financial and commercial restrictions Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China tried to show that they are the best at robots with the World Humanoid Robot Games. It went just about as well as you think it did. Target apologized and triggered the Streisand Effect. What did they do now? The Trump administration is going hard on immigration with plans on revoking visas and expanding the H1-B visa fees. This is what you voted for. Economic D-Day is here and Scott Bessent, Barbie Dream House Owner, is bringing the pain to Iran. New sanctions have dropped. Is Iran over? GUEST: Josh Firestine Link to today's sources: https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/sources-august-25-2026 Tip creators, not the platform with Rumble Wallet. Get started with Rumble Wallet and use the code CROWDER5 to claim $5 in US Stablecoin (USA₮)! Download now: http://wallet.rumble.com/crowder Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Offer available to US residents only. Offer not available in New York State. Must be 18+. Offer is available for a limited time and for the first 1000 wallets activated and funded. Restrictions apply. Details and full official rules available at http://rumble.com/promoofficialrules. This is a paid advertisement for Rumble Wallet. Rumble is compensating me for this ad. Foundation Daily is made up of premium ingredients to reduce inflammation and stress and promote clean energy and mental clarity. Subscribe now and receive 40% off for life. https://foundationdaily.com/ Share clips from the show! Where to get clips: Telegram: http://t.me/LWCClips Discord: https://discord.gg/nfRAZxEbAV Join Rumble Premium to watch this show every day! http://louderwithcrowder.com/Premium Want to be informed? Check out the 3-in-3 podcast. Here's the best path to victory on the most debated topics: https://threekeyfacts.com/ Get your favorite LWC gear: https://crowdershop.com/ Bite-Sized Content: https://rumble.com/c/CrowderBits Subscribe to my podcast: https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/podcast FOLLOW ME: Website: https://louderwithcrowder.com/ X: https://x.com/scrowder Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/louderwithcrowder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevencrowderofficial Music by @Pogo

Rachel Maddow examines the confusing mix of contradictory, impulsive decisions and petty tantrums that constitutes Donald Trump's agenda. She notes that the result is an almost complete loss of U.S. allies around the world, and that only three states have a net-positive opinion of him. Even in those states, voters are handing him election losses by proxy. Karen Attiah, columnist for the Washington Post, and Norm Eisen, co-founder of Democracy Defenders Fund, talk with Rachel about their successful lawsuit against the Washington Post for her firing in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination and her reinstatement to her job as columnist. While Republicans still outnumber Democrats in Sarasota County, Florida, home of the right-wing "Moms for Liberty," this year two Democratically endorsed candidates were elected and a third went to a run-off, signaling a shift in favor against culture war theatrics. Megan Tennimon, newly elected member of the Sarasota County school board, talks with Rachel Maddow about her sense of how things are changing. Want more of Rachel? Check out the "Rachel Maddow Presents" feed to listen to all of her chart-topping original podcasts.To listen to all of your favorite MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Lindsay Clancy trial nears its conclusion after a prosecution witness draws a sharp rebuke from the judge and another prompts the defense to demand a mistrial - The MK True Crime Show co-host Phil Holloway weighs in. Former Disney child star Raquel Lee Bolleau sues the company, alleging it failed to protect her from repeated abuse on a Disney Channel movie set. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launches a sweeping campaign threatening Iran's trading partners with sanctions and exclusion from the U.S. financial system. A fast-moving wildfire burns more than 15,000 acres near Reno and forces nearly 90,000 people to evacuate or prepare to leave their homes.   Lean: Discover why LEAN is becoming the choice for real weight‑loss results—shop now at https://TAKELEAN.com use code MK.   Birch Gold: Text MK to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California's Gavin Newsom comes under fire after signing a law dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” President Trump launches what he calls economic D-Day on Iran as the tariff war heats up again with Canada, and Enes Kanter Freedom is kicked out of a WNBA event as the league continues to avoid defining the term Woman. Reporting by Megan Basham, Tim Rice & Lynden Blake. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.- - -Ep. 3056- - -Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3- - -Today's Sponsors:Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text WIRE to 83848 to make TWICE the impact for freedom today. Trust & Will - Trust & Will. Affordable estate plans. Priceless peace of mind. Go to https://TrustAndWill.com/WIRE and get 20% off.- - -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

China responds to Trump's “Economic D-Day,” Target apologizes for a Halloween costume deemed “racist,” and Country Music legend Dolly Parton passes away at the age of 80. Get the facts first with Evening Wire. - - - Ep. 3057 - - - Today's Sponsor: Balance of Nature - Go to https://BalanceofNature.com today and subscribe to the Whole Health System—or any of their other subscriptions—and get an additional 10% off your subscription with promo code WIRE. - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3   - - - Privacy Policy: ⁠https://www.dailywire.com/privacy⁠ morning 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

Ryan and Emily discuss Bessent unveiling Operation Economic Outcast on Iran, Canada raging at Trump's new trade war, and SCOTUS making a huge decision on mail in voting as a gift to Trump. To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: https://breakingpoints.supercast.com/ Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Monday, August 24, 2026. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: Bill argues that both parties are resorting to hatred to distract from the real issues, using Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) as an example. Christopher J. Ferguson, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Stetson University, discusses the concept of myside bias and how it plays a role in politics. Is there any truth to reports that the Iranian president and parliamentary speaker want the war to end so they can focus on the economy? Bill explains why Trump believes Canada is taking advantage of the U.S. economically. Final Thought: Watch Bill on NewsNation tonight at 9p/8C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses the new U.S. ‘Operation Economic Outcast' war strategy against Iran, the history and function of modern political polling, and the influence of prediction markets on modern politics.Part I (00:14 – 10:20)The New War Strategy Against Iran: The U.S. is Calling for ‘Operation Economic Outcast' to Squash Iranian Economy to End the U.S-Iran ConflictBessent Launches ‘Operation Economic Outcast' to Isolate and Squeeze Iran by The Wall Street Journal (Brian Schwartz, Laurence Norman, and Alexander Ward)Part II (10:20 – 17:11)How Did We Get Into Such a ‘Wild West' of Political Polling? The Important History and Function of Modern Political PollingWhy Polling Chaos Could Create Big Problems for American Politics by The New York Times (Reid J. Epstein)Part III (17:11 – 26:00)The Influence of Prediction Markets on Modern Politics: Young Men and Gambling Markets are Having a Massive Influence on Modern Polling – There are Big Issues HereSign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles for a blistering tour through Trump's increasingly chaotic presidency, from the icy public display between Donald and Melania Trump to the White House's seemingly endless staff exodus and the growing sense that the president's power is slipping away. They cover Trump's disastrous Iran war, the shifting alliances reshaping the Middle East, and Mark Carney's emergence as a formidable counterweight to Trump after Canada refuses to bend to his demands. Rothkopf also reveals why Jared Kushner's secret meetings with Democrats could signal panic inside Trumpworld, what Pete Hegseth's trip to Iowa says about his presidential ambitions, and why Trump's cabinet may be the most disastrous collection of officials in American history. As more countries, businesses and political opponents begin standing up to Trump, Rothkopf argues that the president's bullying tactics are finally backfiring—and that his transformation into a lame duck may already be underway. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/beast to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. #ad NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States is now in a full-blown trade war with Canada after negotiations collapsed, as Canadian leaders across the political spectrum unite against Trump's escalating threats. Ben, Brett and Jordy break down Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's bizarre “Economic D-Day” against Iran and his stunning admission about the potential consequences for the global financial system. They also discuss Trump's bizarre IndyCar spectacle in Washington, including an awkward scene involving Melania Trump and Natalie Harp. Ben breaks down the Supreme Court's latest ruling allowing Trump's controversial election executive order to remain in effect for now, including its potential impact on mail-in ballots and the Postal Service. And the brothers discuss another Houthi attack on a Saudi tanker in the Red Sea as the Trump regime faces growing questions over its claims about the Strait of Hormuz. Deals from our sponsors!  Quince: Go to https://quince.com/meidas for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Willie's Remedy: Order now at https://drinkwillies.com and use code MEIDAS for 20% off your first order plus free shipping on orders over $95. IQ Bar: Text TRUTH to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/MEIDAS and use promo code MEIDAS at checkout. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af Sidebar with Katie Phang: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-katie-phang/id1886801652 The Parnas Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-parnas-perspective/id1869165949 The Intersection with Michael Popok: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intersection-with-michael-popok/id1818863274 MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Five Minute News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/five-minute-news/id1471715443 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Three of his "How to Win 2026" series, Newt Gingrich tackles the two hardest arguments in the entire 2026 campaign: the economy and Iran. On affordability, Newt makes the Republican case with specific facts and dollar figures: the steepest drop in prescription drug prices in sixty years, GLP-1 medications now available for $149 a month through TrumpRx, $82 billion in individual tax relief claimed in a single filing season, and concrete steps already underway on housing, energy, and regulation. On Iran, Newt is equally direct — the war has not gone as planned, the Iranian regime has proven more determined than expected, and there is no easy exit. But backing down, he argues, means gambling that a regime chanting "death to America" won't eventually make good on it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we pay tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, who passed away at the age of 80, reflecting on her immense impact as a businesswoman, entertainer, and patriot. Host John Solomon shares heartfelt memories of her music and kindness, emphasizing her deep connection to the people of Tennessee and her remarkable contributions to American culture.The episode then shifts focus to pressing national security issues, featuring three insightful guests who dissect current geopolitical tensions. First up is Ambassador Carla Sands, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, who discusses the ongoing trade disputes with Canada and the economic stranglehold on Iran. Her insights provide a critical look at the complexities of international trade and diplomacy.Next, we hear from Fred Fleitz, former chief of staff of the National Security Council, who shares his expertise on the escalating situation in South Korea and the challenges posed by North Korea and China. His candid analysis sheds light on the broader implications for the Asia-Pacific region.Finally, economist E.J. Antoni joins the conversation to further explore the ramifications of the Canadian tariff battle, bringing a unique perspective on economic policies and their impact on everyday Americans.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 25, 2026: 8am — Bessent threatens new sanctions against Iran  To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 25, 2026 – 6am: SCOTUS allows Trump's mail-in voting executive order to move forward European leaders attend Ukraine Independence Day events El-Sayed and Fox host clash over culture wars and prices Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs against United States Bessent threatens new sanctions against Iran ‘On the Road with Jonathan Martin: Democratic nominee for Iowa Governor Rob Sand MS NOW's Ali Vitali talks about her interview with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)  Cruz says GOP has not settled on VP JD Vance for 2028 To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 25, 2026, 4pm; Even in the depths of America's most bitter, most divisive moments these last few decades, country music icon Dolly Parton has seemingly occupied her own stratosphere: adored across all regions, genders, political affiliations and on and on. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, says it opposes "illegal" unilateral sanctions after the US warned that countries that continued to do business with Iran would face consequences. A foreign ministry spokesman said economic warfare and maximum pressure tactics did not help resolve problems but would only fuel further conflict. Also: At least 47 people are killed in a gang raid on a hillside community in Haiti. A new report predicts extreme rainfall and flooding in east Africa caused by El Nino that could leave up to three million people displaced. Why China is spending hundreds of billions of dollars to grow its robotic workforce, and Australia bans chart music made mostly by artificial intelligence. 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.uk Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping looks on during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) on the sidelines of their visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing in 2026. Credit: Reuters

The US promises to squeeze Iran by targeting anyone who does business with Tehran - but Washington has so far announced only limited sanctions. Our correspondent says the US wants to put even more economic pressure on Iran. Also: fire crews in Nevada say they've brought under control about a quarter of the wildfire outside Reno. Health workers helping to tackle the Ebola outbreak are attacked in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There's been an explosion of gambling in Brazil. Retired international cricketers are trying to help the former Pakistan captain - and ex-prime minister - Imran Khan, who's currently in prison. And there's been an apparent leak of footage from the new edition of the game, Grand Theft Auto.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: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a press conference to outline further sanctions against Iran, at the Treasury Department in Washington. Credit: Reuters

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court backs the Trump executive order on mail ballots for now. Also, Donald Trump targets Canada with a new 50% tariff threat for 2027. Plus, Trump threatens sanctions on Iran's economic partners. And Ohio Democrat Dr. Amy Acton goes after Vivek Ramaswamy for his support of data centers. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rear Adm. John Kirby, and Dr. Amy Acton join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dave Smith brings you the latest in politics! On this episode of Part Of The Problem, Dave and Robbie "the Fire" Bernstein discuss talks of the approach of the end of the war with Iran, a discussion had on Bill Maher's show about the encroaching socialism on the democratic party, and more.Support Our Sponsors:Prize Picks - Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/POTP and use code POTP and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!BodyBrain - Go to BodyBrainCoffee.com, use code DAVE20 for 20% off your first order.Cowboy Colostrum - Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code DAVE at https://www.cowboycolostrum.com/DAVEPart Of The Problem is available for early pre-release at https://partoftheproblem.com as well as an exclusive episode on Thursday!PORCH TOUR DATES HERE:https://robbernsteincomedy.com/eventsFind Run Your Mouth here:YouTube - http://youtube.com/@RunYourMouthiTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/run-your-mouth-podcast/id1211469807Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4ka50RAKTxFTxbtyPP8AHmFollow the show on social media:X:http://x.com/ComicDaveSmithhttp://x.com/RobbieTheFireInstagram:http://instagram.com/theproblemdavesmithhttp://instagram.com/robbiethefire#libertarian 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 Editors, Rich, Charlie, Noah, and Jim discuss economic warfare on Iran, Trump's renewed trade war on Canada, and the woke politics of the WNBA.  Editor's Picks:  Rich: John Puri's piece, "Beef Tariffs Are Still Doing What They're Supposed to Do"  Charlie: Rich's most recent column, “What If Factories Had Gotten the Data-Center Treatment?” Noah: Charlie's piece, “The New York Times Helps to Launder Karen Attiah's Lie” Jim: Also Rich's piece Light Items:  Rich: Attended the Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty WNBA game Charlie: Went to the Jaguars pre-season game  Noah: Discovered the NeeDoh squish toys Jim: Dropped off his oldest kid at college this past week Sponsors:Made InVaerThe Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University   This podcast was edited and produced by Lauren Veldhuizen.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Yesterday, the Trump administration announced a new strategy in the war against Iran that targets the regime's remaining economic lifelines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it an “economic D-Day.” WSJ's Brian Schwartz explains the U.S.'s new sanctions approach and analyzes what impact it could have on the Iranian economy. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Do Sanctions Still Work? - Inside Trump and Netanyahu's Complicated Relationship Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S.’s plan to further isolate Iran’s economy, which he called “Operation Economic Outcast.” The Wall Street Journal’s Brian Schwartz breaks down the details. Voters in South Carolina are casting ballots today in one of the cycle’s most closely watched primaries: the race to fill the late Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat. Nick Reynolds of the Post and Courier explains what’s at stake. Nearly two weeks after a severe derecho knocked out power across Gary, Indiana, thousands are still waiting for electricity to return. Calvin Davis of Capital B Gary describes the toll on residents. Plus, the Trump administration is proposing massive fees for H-1B visas, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to move forward with a mail-in voting executive order, and how police officers hitched a ride with an Uber driver during a chase. Today’s episode was hosted by Cecilia Lei.

After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the industry's rise. And a data-led look at which cities offer the best (relative) paycheques.  Guests and host:Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondentJoshua Spencer, Asia news editorVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, sanctionsAI, offshoring, the Philippinesworld cities, pay, economic migrationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PETA protests a grand opening of a chicken finger restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We take time to hear its message, then explain that chickens don't actually have fingers. Football season is here, and we can't wait. San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York gets arrested on charges relating to the world's oldest profession. In politics, we look at the current state of the wars in Ukraine and Iran. The gas station beaver lawsuits make no sense to us. Producer Speedy needs to try a new woodpecker haircut. Mexico's bull-running festival looks like the bulls are winning. ► Find more at http://www.RickBurgessShow.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malcolm Hoenlein and Edmund Fitton-Brown discuss rising security concerns in Israel after incendiary balloons from Gaza were discovered, potentially testing Israel's border preparedness. Concurrently, Turkey is expanding its regional footprint, occupying 5% of Syria and attempting to establish military bases, which Israel countered with airstrikes. In Gaza, Jared Kushner met with Hamas in Cairo, a move that critics argue bolsters the group's status despite declining local support. Meanwhile, the US Treasury has previewed secondary sanctions on Iranian trading partners, including China. Iran's economy is in collapse, with inflation skyrocketing and the currency reaching an all-time low. (4)

Ivana Stradner analyzes Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Belgrade, which does not signal a split between Serbia and Russia. President Vučić's weapons sales to Ukraine are merely lucrative business deals. Serbia remains highly dependent on Russia, sharing deep intelligence ties and cooperating with the FSB to test crowd-control equipment. Vučić balances these relationships to survive domestic protests sparked by environmental concerns and a severe heatwave. Stradner, recently returning from Israel, reports that Israeli morale remains exceptionally high despite facing a multi-front threat from Iran's proxy network, which Russia continues to exploit through regional propaganda and strategic manipulation. (6)

Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the term "economic D-Day," explaining that Pakistan's mediation in Iran is self-interested, driven by fears of secondary US sanctions. These sanctions have suffocated Iran's economy, reducing oil exports and sparking hyperinflation. Iraq also struggles with contradictory policies, balancing its US alliance with pro-Iranian gestures, such as securing tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In the Red Sea, the Houthis demand tribute from Saudi Arabia to halt attacks on tankers and pipelines. Fitton-Brown warns that paying the Houthis only delays their long-term expansionist goals against Saudi territory and Israel. (7)

John Hardie and Edmund Fitton-Brown outline Russia's military assistance to Iran via the Caspian Sea, a highly secure transit route. This collaboration benefits Moscow by raising energy prices and draining US munition stockpiles like Patriot interceptors, giving Russia a freer hand in Ukraine. Russia provides Iran with tactical intelligence, drone components to resist satellite jamming, and has agreed to deliver shoulder-launched air defense missiles. While Ukraine and Israel have attempted long-range strikes against trade vessels and ports to disrupt this flow, interdiction is difficult because the Caspian Sea operates as a protected, non-transparent Russian-Iranian military lake. (10)

CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-24-2026.OTTAWAConrad Black and co-host Edmund Fitton-Brown discuss the collapse of trade negotiations and subsequent US tariff threats that have sparked a major political crisis in Canada, leading to opposition calls to immediately reconvene Parliament. Black describes a stark contrast in national attitudes, noting that President Trump's rhetoric effectively denies Canada's sovereignty. This perceived affront has deeply united Canadians across party lines, who view the tariffs as an assault on national identity rather than a mere commercial dispute. Black highlights potential Republican electoral fallout in key US Senate races like Maine and Michigan, and suggests a bilateral phone call could resolve the dispute. (1)Janatyn Sayeh and Edmund Fitton-Brown examine Iranian official Ghalibaf's public appearance in Iraq, signaling defiance to the US and Israel before secondary sanctions are revealed. Sayeh explains that Iran views Iraq as its backyard, using it to evade sanctions by blending Iranian oil with Iraqi exports. Under President Trump, US economic scrutiny on Iraq has increased to block this smuggling. While maximum pressure has devalued Iran's currency and caused hyperinflation, Iran aims to overwhelm Washington by utilizing its regional proxy networks across Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. The US must view these proxies as Iranian arms rather than local actors. (2)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa, with Edmund Fitton-Brown: In Brazil, falling poll numbers have panicked President Lula, prompting him to call Donald Trump despite years of anti-American rhetoric. Araújo explains this reflects the US's central role in combating South American "narcosocialist" regimes. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Delcyand Jorge Rodríguez are simulating cooperation with the US while delaying presidential elections to buy time. Peña Esclusa notes that Venezuelan opposition members are negotiating Supreme Court appointments rather than election dates or political prisoners. Both guests will attend Slovenia's Bled Strategic Forum to discuss Latin America's right-wing political shift and potential energy partnerships with Europe. (3)Malcolm Hoenlein and Edmund Fitton-Brown discuss rising security concerns in Israel after incendiary balloons from Gaza were discovered, potentially testing Israel's border preparedness. Concurrently, Turkey is expanding its regional footprint, occupying 5% of Syria and attempting to establish military bases, which Israel countered with airstrikes. In Gaza, Jared Kushner met with Hamas in Cairo, a move that critics argue bolsters the group's status despite declining local support. Meanwhile, the US Treasury has previewed secondary sanctions on Iranian trading partners, including China. Iran's economy is in collapse, with inflation skyrocketing and the currency reaching an all-time low. (4)David Daoud and Edmund Fitton-Brown examine UNIFIL's mandate, which restricts it to acting as an auxiliary to the Lebanese Armed Forces, preventing independent disarmament of Hezbollah. Consequently, Hezbollah operates freely near UN watchtowers and tunnel networks. Daoud argues that while new US Treasury sanctions expanding target parameters to include Iranian violations are positive, they fail to address Hezbollah's deep integration into Lebanon's socio-political fabric. To be effective, the West must treat Hezbollah as a Lebanese entity with sovereign responsibilities, rather than purely an Iranian proxy. True security requires targeting all of Hezbollah's activities, including its social and political wings. (5)Ivana Stradner and Edmund Fitton-Brown analyze Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Belgrade, which does not signal a split between Serbia and Russia. President Vučić's weapons sales to Ukraine are merely lucrative business deals. Serbia remains highly dependent on Russia, sharing deep intelligence ties and cooperating with the FSB to test crowd-control equipment. Vučić balances these relationships to survive domestic protests sparked by environmental concerns and a severe heatwave. Stradner, recently returning from Israel, reports that Israeli morale remains exceptionally high despite facing a multi-front threat from Iran's proxy network, which Russia continues to exploit through regional propaganda and strategic manipulation. (6)Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the term "economic D-Day," explaining that Pakistan's mediation in Iran is self-interested, driven by fears of secondary US sanctions. These sanctions have suffocated Iran's economy, reducing oil exports and sparking hyperinflation. Iraq also struggles with contradictory policies, balancing its US alliance with pro-Iranian gestures, such as securing tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In the Red Sea, the Houthis demand tribute from Saudi Arabia to halt attacks on tankers and pipelines. Fitton-Brown warns that paying the Houthis only delays their long-term expansionist goals against Saudi territory and Israel. (7)Samuel Ben-Ur and Edmund Fitton-Brown discuss how, following a temporary lull, Hamas has intensified attacks in Gaza, emboldened by disarmament frameworks proposed by Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators. Ben-Ur notes Hamas only accepted the deal under the pretense of disarming while intending to survive intact. However, following Jared Kushner's visit, the US aligned with Israel's stance, demanding total disarmament before military withdrawal. Fitton-Brown and Ben-Ur discuss the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (ENCAG), a secular government planned to replace Hamas. Lacking military power, ENCAG's deployment depends on an international stabilization force, though troop commitments remain severely short. (8)Michael Sobolik and Edmund Fitton-Brown examine how Chinese AI company Moonshot bypassed US export controls by "distilling" technology from Anthropic's Claude Opus model to train its own system, Kimi K3. This intellectual property theft threatens American market dominance and national security. Sobolik recommends three policy actions: imposing crushing financial sanctions on violating Chinese firms, closing export control loopholes related to remote cloud access, and banning open CCP models in the United States. He warns that American tech companies prioritizing short-term profits over security risk losing the AI race, mirroring historical patterns of Chinese piracy. (9)John Hardie and Edmund Fitton-Brown outline Russia's military assistance to Iran via the Caspian Sea, a highly secure transit route. This collaboration benefits Moscow by raising energy prices and draining US munition stockpiles like Patriot interceptors, giving Russia a freer hand in Ukraine. Russia provides Iran with tactical intelligence, drone components to resist satellite jamming, and has agreed to deliver shoulder-launched air defense missiles. While Ukraine and Israel have attempted long-range strikes against trade vessels and ports to disrupt this flow, interdiction is difficult because the Caspian Sea operates as a protected, non-transparent Russian-Iranian military lake. (10)Standing corrections applied: Janatyn Sayeh, Ernesto Araújo, Alejandro Peña Esclusa, Delcy Rodríguez (and Jorge Rodríguez), Zelenskyy, Vučić with diacritics, and Kimi K3 (source again had "Kimmy"). One anomaly in the source: segment 7 listed Fitton-Brown as both guest and co-host, so I've formatted it as his solo segment — flag it if there was a second voice in that file.

Janatyn Sayeh and Edmund Fitton-Brown examine Iranian official Ghalibaf's public appearance in Iraq, signaling defiance to the US and Israel before secondary sanctions are revealed. Sayeh explains that Iran views Iraq as its backyard, using it to evade sanctions by blending Iranian oil with Iraqi exports. Under President Trump, US economic scrutiny on Iraq has increased to block this smuggling. While maximum pressure has devalued Iran's currency and caused hyperinflation, Iran aims to overwhelm Washington by utilizing its regional proxy networks across Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. The US must view these proxies as Iranian arms rather than local actors. (2)

August 24, 2026Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney instructed negotiators to walk away from talks with the Trump administration, When he won reelection in 2024, Trump emphasized that he intended to use tariffs to pressure Canada to join the US as a 51st state and he has sought to use the extraordinary economic power of the US to force Canada and other countries into subordinate relationships, This new attack on Canada doesn't make economic or political sense for the US but does make sense for this president who is flailing, Republicans appear unwilling to cross Trump but our allies do have power and agency of their own, Carney is urging so-called "middle countries" to create coalitions, Carney and Canada will retaliate against US tariffs and will begin intense discussions with the EU, Trump is clearly seen as untrustworthy, on beef prices, on oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz, and on data centers, A report about a meeting between Hakim Jeffries and Jared Kushner created fury, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an initiative to demand other world leaders join with the US in strangling Iran's economy. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ-Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe

Seth Meyers and A Closer Look supervising writer/producer Sal Gentile catch up on all the news they're missing during Late Night's summer hiatus. In this episode, they discuss Donald Trump contradicting his own son-in-law Jared Kushner on Iran and refusing to apologize for high gas prices, as well as Sen. Darline Graham's disastrous debate performance and Jon Ossoff's mention of Trump aide Natalie Harp.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.