Trump’s Iran Peace Pivot & Hollywood’s ‘Hail Mary’? | 3.24.26

Summary

Morning Wire Episode: Trump’s Iran Peace Pivot & Hollywood’s ‘Hail Mary’?
Date: March 24, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Featured Contributors: Cabot Phillips, Jenny Terre, Megan Basham

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into three major stories: President Trump’s surprise move to postpone military strikes on Iran in favor of renewed peace talks, the deployment of ICE agents to assist at US airports amid a DHS shutdown, and the record-breaking box office debut of "Project Hail Mary." The hosts explore domestic and geopolitical implications, on-the-ground reactions, and cultural shifts in Hollywood, threading together politics, policy, and pop culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Iran Peace Pivot

• Background: A deadline loomed for US military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure in response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Last-Minute Decision: President Trump postponed strikes, citing “very good and productive conversations” aimed at a total resolution to hostilities in the Middle East.
• Special Envoys: Talks reportedly led by Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with potential involvement from VP JD Vance.

President Trump (00:40):
"We're doing a five day period. We'll see how that goes and if it goes well, we're going to end up with settling this. Otherwise we just keep bombing our little hearts there."

Details and Skepticism

• White House Position: Positive early talks with major points of agreement; a five-day window to see if diplomacy succeeds.
  • Quote, President Trump (03:48):
    "Yesterday we have had very, very strong talks. We'll see where they lead. We have...major points of agreement. They went, I would say, perfectly...if they carry through with that, it'll end that...problem, that conflict."
• Warning to Iran: The US is prepared for aggressive action if progress stalls.
  • Quote, President Trump (04:14):
    "Now, Iran has one more opportunity to end its threats to America and our allies and we hope they take it. Either way, America and the entire world will soon be much safer."
• Iranian Response:
  • Public denials that direct talks happened; assertions of “fake news” for market manipulation.
    • Mohammed Gallaboff (Iranian Parliament Speaker) via X, paraphrased (04:45):
      "No negotiations have been held with the US and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets."
• Market Reaction:
  • S&P 500 surged 240 points, adding $2 trillion in market cap within minutes of Trump’s announcement.
  • Oil prices plummeted ($98 → $85/barrel in five minutes).
• Political Criticism:
  • Skeptics allege Trump exaggerated the peace process to avoid the deadline and boost markets.

Cabot Phillips (06:04):
“Many on the left say that Trump is exaggerating the peace process because his deadline for opening the strait was approaching...those critics also say that Trump was trying to boost the stock market with the prospect of peace.”

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2. ICE Agents Deployed at Airports Amid DHS Shutdown

• Context: Ongoing DHS funding stalemate over immigration policy.
• ICE’s Function at Airports:
  • Assisting in non-screening roles—exits, baggage claim—to free up TSA agents for critical security checkpoints.
  • Agents present in uniform and unmasked, causing some discomfort among travelers.
• On-the-Ground Perspective:
  • Mixed public reactions: visible unease from travelers; spectacle for airport staff.
  • Passenger (09:52):
    "I just think that it's uncomfortable for me...you don't really like, understand or know what they're really...what their real mission is for being here...it can just...they can just do anything to anyone, you know."

Political Overtones and PR

• Democratic Criticism:
  • Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s dramatic condemnation:
    “[ICE presence will] only aggravate delays in lines, disrupting checks, interrogating travelers, dragging parents from children, detaining citizens, brutalizing families, shooting and even killing.”
• Trump Administration Strategy:
  • Using ICE deployment to pressure Democrats into reopening DHS.
  • Potential positive PR for ICE if handled without public conflict.
• ICE Agent Experience:
  • Agents are reportedly both excited about more engagement and wary of exposure to anti-ICE agitators.
  • Jenny Terre describes agents being "a little on edge" about being unmasked and in such a public setting.

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3. "Project Hail Mary" Box Office Phenomenon

• Blockbuster Debut:
  • $80.5 million domestic, $60.4 million international on opening weekend ($141 million total).
  • Record for Amazon and MGM, surpassing “Creed 3.”
  • Cited as a "four quadrant" success—broad appeal across age and gender demographics.

Why Did It Hit Home?

• Nostalgic Genre:
  • “Buddy comedy” infused into smart sci-fi—fresh and heartfelt.
    • Megan Basham (14:06):
      "I would actually say the key thing here is that this is the kind of genre we haven’t seen for a while. And that’s the buddy comedy.”
• Practical Effects Over CGI:
  • Animatronic and tangible elements (e.g., the character Rocky as a puppet) make the film feel authentic.
  • Audiences crave originality over sequels and franchise fatigue.
• Hopeful, Sincere Storytelling:
  • Contrasts with Hollywood’s recent streak of dystopian, ironic films.
    • Ryan Gosling (16:21):
      “Writer Andy Weir is such a special writer...He sort of gives us an opportunity to pivot and to see the future as something that's not necessarily something to fear, but just to be solved.”

Industry Implications

• Potential Lessons for Hollywood:
  • Make movies that “make it worth” for audiences to go to the theaters.
    • Ryan Gosling (surprise IMAX appearance, 16:59):
      "We're all back in theaters. It's not your job to keep them open. It's our job to make things that make it worth you coming out."
• Cautious Optimism:
  • Basham doubts Hollywood will quickly adapt, but hopes are high for a return to more inclusive, uplifting storytelling.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Trump’s Stark Warning:
  • "We're doing a five day period. We'll see how that goes and if it goes well, we're going to end up with settling this. Otherwise we just keep bombing our little hearts there." (00:40)
• Iran Peace Process:
  • "Yesterday we have had very, very strong talks. We'll see where they lead... major points of agreement." (03:48)
  • "Now, Iran has one more opportunity to end its threats to America and our allies and we hope they take it." (04:14)
• Market Reaction:
  • "Within five minutes of his initial statement, the S&P 500 surged 240 points, adding 2 trillion dol dollars in market cap...crude oil futures...fallen to $85." (06:04)
• Democratic Critique of ICE:
  • "ICE agents at airports will only aggravate delays...brutalizing families, shooting and even killing." (10:26)
• Passenger on ICE Presence:
  • "It makes me a little anxious because...they can just do anything to anyone, you know." (10:07)
• Project Hail Mary Success:
  • “It is the biggest debut of 2026 so far.” (13:06)
  • "This is the kind of genre that we haven’t seen for a while. And that’s the buddy comedy." (14:06)
• Gosling on Hopeful Sci-Fi:
  • "...the future as something that's not necessarily something to fear, but just to be solved." (16:21)
• Gosling on Filmmaking Responsibility:
  • "We're all back in theaters. It's not your job to keep them open. It's our job to make things that make it worth you coming out." (16:59)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Trump’s Iran Peace Pivot: 00:34–06:54
• ICE at Airports Amidst DHS Shutdown: 07:59–12:07
• Project Hail Mary Box Office & Hollywood Lessons: 12:40–17:29

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Takeaways

• President Trump’s diplomatic gamble with Iran has temporarily relieved military tensions, with rippling market effects and political controversy.
• ICE’s high-visibility new roles at airports are stoking public discomfort and sharp partisan disagreements, as the administration leverages the standoff for political ends.
• The immense success of "Project Hail Mary" signals a hunger for original, heartfelt storytelling—offering Hollywood a possible path out of its recent doldrums, if it’s willing to take the cue.

The episode ties together urgent politics and culture, balanced with direct quotes and firsthand reporting—catering to listeners who want both the facts and the flavor.

Transcript

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[Georgia Howe]

President Trump offers Iran one more chance at peace after delaying strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

[President Trump]

We're doing a five day period. We'll see how that goes and if it goes well, we're going to end up with settling this. Otherwise we just keep bombing our little hearts there.

[Host/Anchor]

What does this mean for the region and how is the market reacting?

[Georgia Howe]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Tuesday, March 24th, and this is Morning Wire.

[Host/Anchor]

Amid crises at big airports across the country, is the presence of ice making a difference?

[Cabot Phillips]

TS agents, they're in a bad position.

[Jenny Terre]

They got families too.

[Cabot Phillips]

My heart breaks for them. President Trump right now knows they're overwhelmed and we're bringing them help.

[Georgia Howe]

And Project Hail Mary smashes at the box office, blasting off with one of the strongest opening weekends of any original film in years.

[Cabot Phillips]

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[Host/Anchor]

Thanks for waking up with morning wires. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Host/Anchor]

In a surprise last minute move, President Trump postponed strikes on Iran's power plants, announcing the two sides were engaged in peace talks.

[Georgia Howe]

Wired In Live host Cabot Phillips is here with the story. So, Cabot, it's been a rollercoaster past 24 hours. Tell us about President Trump's most recent statement.

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, roller coaster is the right term and the ride is not over. The clock once again is ticking today. Remember, last we spoke, President Trump was preparing to bomb Iranian power stations if they did not open up the Strait of Hormuz. But on Monday morning, just Hours before the 48 hour deadline expired, he announced that Iran and the U.S. have had, quote, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East. As a result of those talks, Trump, quote, instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Now, according to Trump, these talks were led by special envoys to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Here he is providing more details.

[President Trump]

Yesterday we have had very, very strong talks. We'll see where they lead. We have point, major points of agreement. They went, I would say, perfectly. I would say that if a carry through with that, it'll end that, that problem, that conflict.

[Cabot Phillips]

And then hours later, the president offered this pretty clear warning to the Iranians as these apparent talks continue.

[President Trump]

Now, Iran is one more opportunity to end its threats to America and our allies and we hope they take it. Either way, America and the entire world will soon be much safer.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, details of these alleged negotiations are still few and far between. But according to Axios, Israeli officials say the plan is for American officials led Witkoff, Kushner and potentially even VP JD Vance to meet with Iranian counterparts in Pakistan later this week.

[Georgia Howe]

Now we've heard from President Trump. What have we heard from Iranians in response?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, they quickly issued a flurry of statements confirming that several Middle Eastern states were attempting to kickstart talks, but denying that any direct negotiations with the US had taken place. One of those denials came from Mohammed Gallaboff, that is the speaker of the Iranian Parliament Axios reported that he was the one actually negotiating with the US but an X account belonging to Golubov posted that, quote, no negotiations have been held with the US and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US And Israel are trapped. Now, whether or not he's telling the truth, it's impossible to know. But there would be a good reason for him to deny such a story was true, given the uncertainty and discord within the Iranian ranks. In other words, he might want to reach a peace deal. He might be having these talks. But there could be plenty of other Iranian leaders who view talking with the US As a betrayal of the regime. Now, for his part, President Trump had this to say when asked about the Iranians denying any discussions.

[President Trump]

Well, they're going to have to get themselves better public relations. We have had very, very strong talks. We'll see where they lead. We have point, major points of agreement, I would say almost all points of agreement, perhaps that hasn't been conveyed. Communication, as you know, has been blown to pieces. They're unable to talk to each other.

[Cabot Phillips]

But it is worth noting there are plenty in Washington who are skeptical that any such talks have taken place. Many on the left say that Trump is exaggerating the peace process because his deadline for opening the strait was approaching and the Iranians made clear that they would not give in. Those critics also say that Trump was trying to boost the stock market with the prospect of peace. And to that point, Wall street did rally. Within five minutes of his initial statement, the S&P 500 surged 240 points, adding 2 trillion dol dollars in market cap. And get this. At 7:05am before the statement, crude oil futures were trading at $98 a barrel. Just five minutes later, they had fallen to $85. So there's no doubt the market is itching for any news of a looming peace deal. Ultimately, we'll have to wait and see if these talks actually go anywhere. President Trump said that Wyckoff and Kushner will continue working on a deal today.

[Georgia Howe]

Meanwhile, that deadline is coming up at the end of the week. Yeah, Cabot, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

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[Georgia Howe]

ICE agents are already tagging in at several airports to assist TSA as the DHS shutdown continues.

[Host/Anchor]

Joining us now with more is Daily Wire immigration reporter Jenny Terre, who was on the ground at Houston's Hobby Airport when officers arrived there yesterday. So, Ginny, you've now witnessed this firsthand. How is ICE assisting TSA so far?

[Jenny Terre]

Yeah, well, the shift is really hard to miss. We went from illegal immigrants flooding airports under the Biden administration to now, you know, ICE agents dominating them under Trump border czar Tom Homan said that the plan would be to deploy them, not to necessarily look at the X ray machines or be part of that part of airport security, but to assist in other areas like the exits where TSA officers are normally patrolling and just free them up so that they can go back to alleviating the pressure on those security lines which we've seen across the country have just been so long and have caused so many delays for passengers. Now, the officers in Houston didn't have a presence in the security line. So this is all very consistent with what the administration has been wanting. They were really just walking through the check in area outside of TSA and through baggage claim. These agents are unmasked. So they're walking around, they're showing their faces unlike when they're out in the field making arrests of illegal aliens. You know, it is causing a big spectacle. You know, these burly ICE officers are walking around these airports and passengers are obviously clocking it. A lot of the airport workers and passengers who are walking through just kind of making comments that, you know, they shouldn't really be there. But nothing crazy has yet happened. Like we've seen across the country when ICE is making arrests out in the streets and there's anti ICE agitators. I did speak with one passenger who was traveling to Nashville today. Here's what she had to say about ice's presence.

[Megan Basham]

I just think that it's uncomfortable for me.

[Jenny Terre]

What about it makes you uncomfortable because

[Passenger/Listener]

you don't really like, understand or know what they're really.

[Jenny Terre]

What their real mission is for being here.

[Passenger/Listener]

You know, it makes me a little

[Jenny Terre]

anxious because, you know, it can just anything.

[Passenger/Listener]

They can just do anything to anyone, you know.

[Host/Anchor]

All right, so some passengers expressing some trepidation about their presence there maybe. Has all of this changed Democrats minds about funding dhs, this increased presence of ICE at the airports?

[Jenny Terre]

You know, not yet. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal had an interesting kind of wild comment about this whole debacle. He said, quote, ICE agents at airports will only aggravate delays in lines, disrupting checks, interrogating travelers, dragging parents from children, detaining citizens, brutalizing families, shooting and even killing. This was a pretty, yeah, pretty wild statement. So in some ways this feels like it's kind of what Trump wants to accomplish. It appears he wants to force forced Democrats hand here to reopen DHS by putting ICE agents, which is the reason for this partial government shutdown. You know, they want. Democrats want to essentially hamstring ice and they're finding that this is all backfiring and putting them putting ICE in more places.

[Host/Anchor]

And this is also a positive PR opportunity for ice if this is handled well.

[Jenny Terre]

Yeah, it has the potential to be.

[Host/Anchor]

Now, you've been talking to a lot of your sources within ICE to gauge their response. How do they feel about all this?

[Jenny Terre]

You know, it's been some mixed reactions. Some were really excited by the opportunity and others felt like it could further expose them to anti ICE agitators. One thing to remember here is that they're not wearing masks. And that was something that the President said he requested. You know, I was photographing some of the officers and agents on Monday, and I could tell that they were feeling a little bit afraid of my presence there. One even took a photo of me and I gave him my card, you know, to make sure he knew I was pressed. But they definitely, definitely are a little on edge over that element, I think.

[Host/Anchor]

Well, you could certainly see why they might feel like that. Ginny, thank you so much for reporting.

[Jenny Terre]

Thank you.

[Cabot Phillips]

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[Host/Anchor]

Project Hail Mary rocketed to the top of the box office this weekend, pulling in over $140 million worldwide. Its stunning success has some asking if the rumors of Hollywood's death have been exaggerated.

[Georgia Howe]

Here with the details is Daily Wire culture reporter Megan Basham. So, Megan, it's been a long time since I've heard so much excitement about a movie. Perhaps my circle is disproportionately into sci fi, but how much of a success has this movie been?

[Megan Basham]

I. I would say, to quote a character in the film, it is an amaze, amaze, amazing success. If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about. So it is the biggest debut of 2026 so far. And just to run down a few numbers for you here, Georgia, it pulled in 80.5 million domestically in its first weekend globally. It added another 60.4 for, as John said, a worldwide total of 141 million. Now, to put that in some perspective, that's not just big for a March release, it's a new record for Amazon and MGM Studios, beating their previous high with Creed 3. So it's truly what the. The industry calls a four quadrant film. That means it appealed to both men and women over 25 and men and women under 25.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, Megan, you were a film critic for a lot of years. Actually an official Rotten Tomatoes critic, yes. Why do you think this movie was so broadly appealing?

[Megan Basham]

You know, I'd say a number of things are going on here, Georgia. So for those who aren't familiar with the premise, it's the story of Ryland Grace. That's who Ryan Gosling plays. He is a teacher turned astronaut who is recruited to go into outer space and try to help stop a microbe that is consuming the sun. But while that sci fi element is, it's. It's very smart, it's very entertaining. I would actually say the key thing here is that this is the kind of genre that we haven't seen for a while. And that's the buddy comedy. And here's just a taste of that.

[Jenny Terre]

Hi, Grace.

[Cabot Phillips]

You're in a ball. So Rocky, no Die and Grace atmosphere.

[Jenny Terre]

I come up.

[Cabot Phillips]

Oh, you're coming up.

[Jenny Terre]

Detective Grace and Rocky, Big Science, how to Kill Asteraphage together.

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I keep going this way.

[Cabot Phillips]

Right. This room. Boring science.

[Jenny Terre]

Save Earth, Save a good plan.

[Cabot Phillips]

Put this down here. Question.

[Megan Basham]

So I think that feel good story that families all ages could enjoy together was really rocket fuel for this film, pun intended. And I also think audiences are hungry for original stories. You know, what I keep hearing from people is that they're sick of franchises, they're sick of sequels, they're sick of, you know, really well known intellectual properties, and they're looking for something fresh. This delivered on that. And then I also hear from a lot of people who say that in an AI world, they're really tired of things that feel unnatural. So they're looking for tactile, real authenticity. And these practical effects delivered that. So if you've seen the film, Rocky is a physical animatronic puppet, and somehow that actually does give him more personality. And they also didn't rely a lot on CGI here and green screens. We got actual rocket ships that were built, space parts built that you could tactically sense through the screen. And I think that made a big difference. But then, arguably, I think the biggest reason here, Georgia, is that people have gotten really tired of fear and irony and dystopia. I think that sincere, hopeful films are a breath of fresh air right now. And I really love something that Ryan Gosling said about the book that this film is based on in an interview with the Today Show.

[Cabot Phillips]

Writer Andy Weir is such a special writer. He's such a special voice. He sort of gives us an opportunity to pivot and to see the future as something that's not necessarily something to fear, but just to be solved.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, I know last time we talked about Hollywood, it was about how dismal the ratings were for this year's Oscars and how poorly films have been performing generally. Do you think the industry could actually learn some lessons from this film?

[Megan Basham]

I think they could. I don't know if they will. And I think whether they do hinges on something that, once again, Ryan Gosling said at a surprise appearance at an IMAX screening this weekend.

[Cabot Phillips]

We're all back in theaters. It's not your job to keep them open. It's our job to make things that make it worse. You coming out.

[Megan Basham]

So I think he's exactly right there. But that's going to mean getting back to making films that everyone can enjoy, not just cynical adults on the political left.

[Jenny Terre]

Right.

[Georgia Howe]

Well, I'm excited to see it. And despite all of our doom and gloom segments, I genuinely am rooting for Hollywood to get back to their golden era.

[Megan Basham]

Me too.

[Georgia Howe]

Megan, thanks for reporting my pleasure.

[Host/Anchor]

Thanks for waking up with us. And for those listening to the show, you can also now watch the show free on Daily Wire. Plus, we'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.