Evening Wire: Iran Cracks Down & Diddy's Trial Winds Down | 06.26.25
Hosts: John Bickley (Executive Editor) and Georgia Howe
Date Released: June 26, 2025
1. Iran's Harsh Crackdown Post-Conflict
Timestamp: [00:18]
Georgia Howe opens the episode by detailing Iran's severe repression following a brief 12-day war with Israel. The regime has detained over 700 individuals on political and security-related charges, with many accused of ties to Israel. State media reports indicate that three alleged Israeli agents have been executed, with more awaiting the same fate. The streets of Tehran are heavily policed, and beneath the surface, there's a growing undercurrent of public dissent against the government's actions.
2. Supreme Leader Khamenei's Public Assertion vs. Reality
Timestamp: [00:46] - [01:59]
John Bickley transitions to the recent appearance of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who emerged briefly from hiding to declare victory despite significant setbacks. Cabot Phillips elaborates on Khamenei's claims of delivering a "hand slap to America's face" ([01:01]). However, satellite imagery contradicts this narrative, showing extensive damage to Iran's nuclear facilities. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirms that the nuclear program has been set back by years due to the destruction.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticizes media coverage, with Tim Rice highlighting skepticism from intelligence sources about the extent of the damage. Khamenei's assertions are further challenged by President Trump, who labels the reports as "fake" on Truth Social ([01:59]).
3. U.S. Demands for Iran's Uranium Surrender
Timestamp: [02:08]
Georgia Howe reports that the Trump administration has issued ultimatums to Iran, demanding the surrender of its remaining enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently confirmed that Iran has stockpiled over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, with potential for creating multiple nuclear bombs if enriched to 90%. An Israeli news outlet reveals that the U.S. plans to present Iran with three baseline demands:
- Reinstating a total ban on uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.
- Removal of all highly enriched uranium already stockpiled.
- Limitations on future missile production.
4. Senate Stalemate on Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill"
Timestamp: [02:47] - [03:50]
John Bickley discusses the obstacles facing President Trump's ambitious legislative proposal. Despite Republicans holding a slim 53-47 Senate majority, the Senate parliamentarian has ruled the bill ineligible for budget reconciliation due to Republican cuts to Medicaid ([02:47]). This decision prevents the bill from bypassing the 60-vote threshold required to end a filibuster.
Senator Roger Marshall criticizes the process, stating, "I think it's wrong to have one person being able to do all that," and advocates for term limits to restrict such legislative overreach ([03:20]).
5. Supreme Court Ruling on Medicaid Funding to Planned Parenthood
Timestamp: [03:50] - [04:25]
Georgia Howe segues into a landmark Supreme Court decision. Daily Wire reporter Mairead Elordi explains that the Court, in a 6-3 ruling authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, determined that states can block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood ([04:00]). The decision emphasizes states' authority to decide which healthcare providers qualify for Medicaid participation, potentially enabling other states to similarly exclude Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid programs.
6. Eric Adams Announces Reelection Bid Amid Political Shifts
Timestamp: [04:25] - [05:15]
John Bickley covers New York City Mayor Eric Adams' announcement to seek reelection as an independent, a significant shift following Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani's unexpected primary victory. Despite being elected as a Democrat in 2021, Adams has faced low approval ratings and has recently dropped federal corruption charges.
During his announcement, Adams stated, "They try to distract me... So you can call me all the names you want, but I'm going to answer to only one. Mayor Adams" ([04:46]).
7. The Ongoing Saga of Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Timestamp: [05:15] - [06:09]
John Bickley shifts focus to the legal troubles of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice reports that Garcia's lawyers have filed an emergency motion to prevent his deportation and maintain his out-of-federal-custody status ([05:22]). The motion argues for Garcia's return to Maryland post-release in Tennessee to face federal charges related to human smuggling.
Attorney General Pam Bondi described Garcia's actions as part of a long-term alien smuggling ring, stating, "They found this was his full time job, not a contractor. He was a smuggler of humans and children and women" ([05:46]).
8. Trump Administration Targets Mexican Banks for Cartel Money Laundering
Timestamp: [06:09] - [06:56]
Georgia Howe reports on the Trump administration's new restrictions targeting three Mexican banks—C Banco, Intercam, and Vector—accused of laundering funds for fentanyl-trafficking cartels ([06:18]). Daily Wire reporter Spencer Lindquist explains that the Treasury Department's move prohibits American financial institutions from engaging in certain transactions with these banks, marking a strategic effort to disrupt cartel financing. These restrictions are the first to be enforced under new laws aimed at combating fentanyl-related money laundering.
9. High-Profile Trial: Sean "Diddy" Combs Faces Closing Arguments
Timestamp: [07:28] - [07:59]
John Bickley updates listeners on the ongoing trial of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, who stands charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. The trial has drawn significant media attention due to graphic details about Combs' so-called "freak off" parties. While prosecutors have dropped charges of attempted arson and kidnapping, they assert that even if only one instance of coercion is proven, Combs is guilty of sex trafficking. The case continues to unfold as closing arguments commence ([07:28]).
10. RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Panel Approves New Infant Shot
Timestamp: [07:59] - [08:40]
Georgia Howe discusses recent developments from RFK Jr.'s vaccine panel. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo reports that a CDC vaccine panel has approved Merck's new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ([08:07]). The panel also voted to include this vaccine in the government's recommended childhood immunizations, allowing its launch ahead of the RSV season. This decision follows the complete replacement of the panel's 17 members by RFK Jr., raising concerns among some about potential biases, though only two of seven members opposed the vaccine.
In related news, RFK Jr. celebrates compliance from major companies Nestlé and Conagra, which have pledged to remove synthetic dyes from their products within two years. This aligns with the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative, as more states implement laws reducing synthetic dye usage in foods ([08:40]).
11. Gas Prices Drop to Lowest Levels Since 2021
Timestamp: [09:02] - [09:35]
John Bickley reports a welcome development for consumers: gas prices have fallen to an average of $3.20 per gallon, the lowest since 2021 ([09:02]). Press Secretary Caroline Levitt attributes this decline to decreased oil prices, which had stabilized even before the recent conflict with Israel. Mairead Elordi highlights President Trump's continued efforts to unleash American energy resources, enhancing national security and ensuring affordable, reliable energy for the public ([09:15], [09:35]).
12. Microsoft Faces Lawsuit Over AI Training Practices
Timestamp: [09:35] - [10:12]
Georgia Howe covers a significant legal challenge for Microsoft, which is being sued by multiple authors alleging that the tech giant unlawfully used their books to train its AI model, Megatron ([09:35]). The lawsuit follows a California ruling that allowed Anthropic, an AI startup, to use copyrighted materials for training purposes. Authors contend that Microsoft utilized nearly 200,000 pirated books, enabling Megatron to replicate their writing styles. They are seeking damages of up to $150,000 per work infringed.
13. Congressional Medal of Honor for WWII Army Rangers
Timestamp: [10:12] - [10:39]
John Bickley highlights a moment of national recognition as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson honors U.S. Army Rangers from World War II with the Congressional Medal of Honor ([10:12]). Johnson emphasizes the Rangers' pivotal role in American special operations during the war, stating, "Today we express our most profound gratitude for their courage and contributions with the highest honor that this body can bestow."
Drive Home Updates
Timestamp: [10:39]
Georgia Howe wraps up with "Drive Home" updates, briefly referencing major stories from the morning edition, including:
- Trump's NATO Victory Lap
- Battle Over the Big Beautiful Bill
- Alarming Claims About the Therapy Industry
Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more information.
Conclusion:
The Evening Wire episode delves into critical international and domestic issues, from Iran's internal repression and nuclear setbacks to significant legal battles in the United States. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe provide comprehensive coverage, enriched with expert insights and direct quotes, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments across politics, law, and societal changes.