Trump’s Iranian Ultimatum & Former Prince Andrew Arrested | 2.20.26

Summary

Morning Wire – Trump’s Iranian Ultimatum & Former Prince Andrew Arrested | February 20, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe cover escalating international and domestic news: President Trump’s intensified threats towards Iran amid a massive Middle East military buildup, the unprecedented arrest of former Prince Andrew in the UK over his Epstein connections, and updates on the ongoing search for missing woman Nancy Guthrie. Featuring key insights and commentary from Daily Wire reporters and royals expert Hillary Fordwich, the show dives deep into the stakes, international implications, and broader cultural consequences of the day's top stories.

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Main Stories & Key Insights

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1. Trump’s Iranian Ultimatum and Middle East Tensions

Timestamps: 01:56–06:03

Current Situation

• Reporter: Cabot Phillips
• Nuclear negotiations with Iran have stalled; Iran requested two more weeks for a new proposal but US officials suspect they are "buying time" for a nuclear breakthrough or preparing for conflict.
• Historic US military buildup is underway in the region, with constant arrivals of military assets.

Trump’s Stance and Message

• President Trump (02:50):

  "They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple. ... They can't have, you can't have peace in the Middle east if they have a nuclear weapon."

• Trump is signaling a move towards military action, stating the window for diplomacy may be closing.

Explicit Threats and Implicit Deadlines

• Trump to Ayatollah (03:29):

  "They cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region, and they must make a deal. ... But bad things will happen if it doesn't [happen]."

• Trump issues a veiled ultimatum:

  "We may have to take it a step further or we may not ... you're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days." (03:51)

• Historical precedent cited: After June’s two-week deadline lapsed, Trump launched “Operation Midnight Hammer," suggesting stated deadlines can be fluid.

Potential Military Action

• Any strike would likely be the largest US military operation in decades (since Iraq/Afghanistan), broader than precision raids of recent years.
• Cabot Phillips warns of the serious risk of escalation, with the possibility of US casualties and more direct military engagement.
• Quote: "If those strikes were successful and... killed Americans, it would make it much, much harder for Trump to avoid putting boots on the ground." (04:32)
• Trump is opposed to another drawn-out conflict, increasing the stakes of any operation.

Key Takeaways

• Serious risk of expanded war or massive retaliation.
• Political risks for Trump domestically.
• Ongoing deadline: “over the next probably 10 days” (03:51)

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2. Former Prince Andrew Arrested and Fallout for the British Monarchy

Timestamps: 07:05–11:07

Arrest Details

• Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Windsor Mountbatten (formerly Prince Andrew) at Sandringham on his 66th birthday; later released pending further action.
• Charges: Misuse in public office—specifically, passing secrets and trade information to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Hillary Fordwich (08:04):

  “He betrayed his mother, his entire family, the royal family, and his nation.”

Royal Family’s Response

• King Charles publicly supports the police investigation but distances himself from Andrew.
• Fordwich (08:33):

  “What’s really interesting... it didn’t say, 'my brother,' ... it just said 'Andrew Windsor Mountbatten.'”

• Royal family, especially Prince William, is showing zero tolerance and making efforts to distance from the scandal.

Monarchy in Crisis

• Fordwich frames this as an “existential threat” to the monarchy and a possible catalyst for King Charles to abdicate — officially for health, but likely also due to fallout from the scandal.
• Details emerge about Andrew being ousted from the Windsor Estate at William’s insistence.

Dramatic Revelations to Come

• Hillary Fordwich (10:34):

  “If you were to lay pieces of paper on the ground, it basically amounts to two times the size of the Eiffel Tower. Two Eiffel Towers of information still to be revealed. So goodness gracious, goodness knows what’s going to be in that.”

• Anticipation of “very serious sentencing” for Andrew.

Memorable Quote

“This is an existential threat to the monarchy itself. ... Prince William wants none of it.” – Hillary Fordwich (09:47)

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3. Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie

Timestamps: 11:41–15:46

Where Things Stand

• 20 days since disappearance; DNA evidence is central.
• DNA on a glove found near Guthrie’s home did not match anyone in the FBI database. A genealogy search is now underway.
• Lyndon Blake:

  “Now I want everyone to keep in mind that this could be a random person’s DNA that ... has not been linked back to the crime scene in any way.” (11:54)

Evidence Processing and Investigative Leads

• DNA from inside the home is still being analyzed, focusing on items the masked suspect would have touched.
• Video evidence: Previously deleted Nest Doorbell footage was retrieved; efforts now focus on extracting data from a rooftop camera, even though Nancy did not have a cloud subscription so files were auto-deleted.
• Multiple search and police action events have not produced fruitful leads or charges.
• Blake:

  “There was that person that was detained in Rio Rico ... no arrest from that. Cars were towed ... nothing came of that either.” (14:49)

The Family & Public Hope

• The family continues to plead for Nancy’s return; support ribbons are being worn in solidarity.
• Georgia Howe:

  “We’re closing in on three weeks this weekend.” (15:42)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump (02:50):

  "They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple. ... They can't have, you can't have peace in the Middle east if they have a nuclear weapon."

• Cabot Phillips (03:59):

  "That timeline, not exactly concrete. Numerous reports now say that Trump came close to greenlighting a strike on Iran back in January."

• Hillary Fordwich (08:04):

  “He betrayed his mother, his entire family, the royal family, and his nation.”

• Hillary Fordwich (09:47):

  “This is an existential threat to the monarchy itself. ... Prince William wants none of it.”

• Lyndon Blake (11:54):

  “Now I want everyone to keep in mind that this could be a random person’s DNA ... has not been linked back to the crime scene in any way.”

• Hillary Fordwich (10:34):

  “If you were to lay pieces of paper on the ground, it basically amounts to two times the size of the Eiffel Tower ... Two Eiffel Towers of information still to be revealed.”

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Segment Timeline

• Middle East/Iran: 01:56–06:03
• Prince Andrew Arrest/Royal Family: 07:05–11:07
• Nancy Guthrie Case: 11:41–15:46

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Tone & Language

• Authoritative, pressing, and occasionally somber—especially regarding the implications for war and the future of the British monarchy.
• Throughout, the hosts and experts provide measured analysis, highlighting both stakes and uncertainties.

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Summary

This Morning Wire episode delivers a gripping analysis of three fast-moving stories at the crossroads of global security, monarchy, and personal tragedy. With President Trump’s growing ultimatum against Iran threatening to trigger “bad things” within a 10-day window, the globe holds its breath as military assets gather in the region. Across the Atlantic, former Prince Andrew’s arrest shatters royal protocol and is painted as an existential crisis for the British monarchy, with even bigger revelations pending. Meanwhile, the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its third week, with investigators chasing elusive DNA and video evidence. The episode balances breaking developments with expert insight, leaving listeners with a clear sense of the stakes and what to watch for in the days ahead.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

With the war drums growing louder in the standoff with Iran, President Trump's Board of Peace convenes in the Middle East.

[President Donald Trump]

So now we may have to take it a step further, or we may not. You're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Friday, February 20th. This is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

The British Crown responds after the arrest to former Prince Andrew over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

[Hillary Fordwich]

And it may be the downfall of the Labour government, just as this may be the ending for King Charles reign as well.

[John Bickley]

And nearly three weeks since the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, officials and the family are still searching for answers to whoever

[Hillary Fordwich]

has her or knows where she is.

[Lyndon Blake]

It is never too late.

[Georgia Howe]

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

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[Georgia Howe]

as the US military buildup in the Middle east continues. President Trump offered new threats to Iran on Thursday as the world holds its breath.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips is here with the latest. Hey, Cabot. So tensions remain high in the Middle East. President Trump gave us some insights yesterday into the situation. Where do things stand now?

[Cabot Phillips]

So nuclear talks, both formal and informal with Iran, have continued to stall this week, with the Trump administration reportedly furious over the regime's refusal to give in on a number of key points, mainly the dismantling of their uranium enrichment facilities. On Tuesday, the regime asked for two weeks to come up with a new proposal. But the growing sense in Washington is that they are simply stalling right now, trying to buy time for a potential nuclear breakthrough of their own and also simultaneously prepare for an armed conflict with the US if it comes to that. President Trump spoke on this topic yesterday during a gathering of the Board of Peace.

[President Donald Trump]

We do have some work to do with Iran. They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple. They can't have, you can't have peace in the Middle east if they have a nuclear weapon. And they've been told that very strongly.

[Cabot Phillips]

And while President Trump has said that he, you know, would prefer diplomacy, his actions say that the time for negotiating could be over. Over the last 24 hours, the historic military buildup in the Middle east has only continued with a steady stream of tankers, warships, fighters, anything you can imagine arriving by the hour. Now, President Trump has been, you know, uncharacteristically tight lipped about his ideas and plans for Iran. But on Thursday, he did offer a clear threat to the Ayatollah during that address.

[President Donald Trump]

They cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region, and they must make a deal. Or if that doesn't happen, I maybe can understand. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. But bad things will happen if it doesn't.

[Cabot Phillips]

And then, in a really remarkable move, he appeared to offer the Ayatollah a deadline. Have a listen.

[President Donald Trump]

We may have to take it a step further or we may not. Maybe we're going to make a deal with you. Going to be, you're going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days.

[Cabot Phillips]

And even though he gave a deadline there, keep in mind, back in June, the White House gave Iran two weeks to make an amended offer during nuclear talks. But then just days later, Trump launched Operation Midnight Hammer with those bombing rates. So that timeline, not exactly concrete. Numerous reports now say that Trump came close to greenlighting a strike on Iran back in January. That was after the regime killed thousands of protesters. But ultimately, at the last minute, he ruled it out, wanting to have more options at his disposal. Well, as this massive military buildup continues, he's got plenty of options now.

[John Bickley]

Indeed, as you said, a historic buildup of military forces in the region. What would a military strike look like?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah, this is important. So with all this talk of military action, I think a lot of Americans are probably assuming this would look like the Maduro Capture or the 12 day conflict this past summer. Those were precision operations that were highly targeted at specific installations or individuals but from everything we're hearing from the administration, this would be much, much broader in scale. If Trump gives the green light, we're talking about what would likely be the largest US Military operation since Iraq and Afghanistan. And that means the potential for a much more serious response following those strikes. Back in June, the Iranians offered a response, but it was very restrained. It was more of a symbolic response than a serious strike. They targeted an American base in Qatar, but actually went as far as giving the US advance warning. Before those strikes were launched, most of the missiles were shot down and no casualties were reported. It was basically just a face saving measure by the Ayatollah. But if these strikes were to threaten the very standing of the regime, the expectation is that he would order a much more serious response this go round and would target any number of US Military bases in the Middle East. Now, if those strikes were successful and, you know, killed Americans, it would make it much, much harder for Trump to avoid putting boots on the ground. Now, the President has been famously insistent that he does not want the US Embroiled in another long, drawn out conflict without a clear objective. So obviously operation would be fraught with risk, right?

[John Bickley]

Including the political risk of starting a war here. Kevin, thanks so much for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

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[Georgia Howe]

British police arrested former Prince Andrew on Thursday in connection to his contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And Andrew's brother, King Charles has responded.

[John Bickley]

Joining us to discuss is Hillary Fordwich, British royals expert and business keynote speaker. Hillary, great to have you on the show.

[Hillary Fordwich]

Yes, thank you for having me.

[John Bickley]

So yesterday's arrest wasn't totally unexpected, but it still sent Shockwaves throughout the uk. First, what took place and what are the charges?

[Hillary Fordwich]

Yes, well, this was the Thames Valley police that is based down obviously Windsor is in the Thames Valley. And they drove all the way up many hours to Norfolk, Sandringham, where they arrested former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Windsor Mountbatten, on his birthday, his 66th birthday. He has been released. We don't know yet whether it's on bail, his own reconnaissance or what, but he was released. We also know that he has had his home searched by the police. This is due ironically, obviously there's all the debauchery. From the photographs we've seen. He's always claimed his innocence, but this is due to the misuse in public office of information. Misuse of information as a trade envoy passing secrets and trade private issues onto Jeffrey Epstein. So he betrayed his mother, his entire family, the royal family and his nation.

[John Bickley]

Speaking of the royal family, we did hear from Andrew's brother, King Charles, yesterday. How is he and the royal family responding?

[Hillary Fordwich]

Well, I always say better late than never. As you might recall, at the passing of Princess Diana, when the Queen was up at Balmoral and when she finally came down to the capital and she was at Buckingham palace to address the nation. And that really did put things back on track. Always better late than never, as I say, because King Charles has now made a public statement saying that we are wholeheartedly, without a shred of a doubt, supporting the police in this investigation. What's really interesting about the statement was what it didn't say. It didn't say, my brother Prince Andrew or Andrew or Andrew, a member of our family. It just said Andrew Windsor Mountbatten. And the Royal family in entirety is really distancing themselves. I would say that Prince William is the force behind a lot of this. From the outset, he has had zero tolerance for any of this debauchery or deviant behavior. And as a former FBI friend of mine, a friend of mine who's a former FBI, said to me, hillary, anyone with this sort of deviant behavior, as in the photographs of him with those young women, they're in debauchery. There are other aspects of this life where they go into these sort of deviant issues of behavior. And that's what we're seeing from these revelations. And I would say what's the most important about all of this, this is an existential threat to the monarchy itself. And that's another reason, and probably the main reason actually, why you're seeing Prince William and the King distance themselves from Prince Andrew Sid, with the police being as public as they can. Finally now, because this issue is about who knew what, when and it might result in King Charles having to abdicate, although it will be to do with his health and other reasons, because this is a ghastly reflection on the Royal Family and Prince William wants none of it. He wanted his, his wayward uncle ousted from Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate because he and his family were moving there and he wanted to be as far away from him as possible. Hence him being ousted in the middle of the night and kicked out to Sandringham Estate, which is up in Norfolk, many hours away.

[John Bickley]

So it sounds like you expect very serious sentencing here for Andrew.

[Hillary Fordwich]

I, I believe so. Particularly because what I understand, and many people I believe are privy to this too, that with regard to the information that's been revealed to date, if you were to lay pieces of paper on the ground, it basically amounts to two times the size of the Eiffel Tower. Two Eiffel Towers of information still to be revealed. So goodness gracious, goodness knows what's going to be in that. In terms of more ghastly revelations of which he's been part of.

[John Bickley]

Well, as you've said here, the stakes are as high as they get. It's really remarkable to watch this all unfold. Thank you so much for joining us.

[Hillary Fordwich]

Absolutely. Pleasure. Thank you for having me.

[John Bickley]

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[Georgia Howe]

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[Lyndon Blake]

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[John Bickley]

It's day 20 in the search for Nancy Guthrie and it seems the case is now hinging on DNA evidence.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake is here to break it down for us. So, Lyndon, where are we in this investigation? What's the latest?

[Lyndon Blake]

Yeah, so so far right now in regards to kind of in a waiting game because the DNA that was found on the glove that was a couple of miles from Nancy's home didn't have a match in the FBI CODIS database. So now they're doing a genealogy trail, really on that DNA. Now, I want everyone to keep in mind that this could be a random person's DNA that this has not been linked back to the crime scene in any way. So it just could be a complete miss altogether. But I think the interesting thing that they're still working on right now are the DNA test from inside the home. We know that that is being processed. And the person that was on Nancy' front doorsteps, the terrifying masked man, we know he was in the house for 41 minutes. So you have to assume that there was some finagling with, you know, doorknobs and light switches and other things inside the house that they're looking for, that touch DNA, any type of fingerprints or any type of skin cells, hair that would have, would have been shed to test for that. So that's the evidence that we're still waiting on right now. No word. We're going to get that back. As far as the glove DNA that's going down, the genealogy tracing, that could take anywhere from a hours up to a couple of weeks. In some cases it's taken years. But an expert said because of the attention that's on this case, and if this person has deep roots in the US It'll go quicker than that.

[Georgia Howe]

So is DNA all they have to go on right now? Are there any other good leads?

[Lyndon Blake]

Yeah. So right now we know that there was that camera taken from Nancy's rooftop the Friday after the search started. That first Friday at this point now the search, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told a news outlet this week that that is now in the hands of Google. And we know that Google, the company that was able to extract that video that was deleted from Nancy Doorbell's Nest camera. So right now what you have to assume is Google has that camera from the ceiling, from the roof, rather of her house, and they're trying to go find deleted video, video that has been traced over from that night. And that's very technical. You kind of have to be gentle with it when you're trying to extract the video so you don't delete something else that you might need. So that's what's happening right now and ultimately could be a big lead if that camera was able to pick up some type of vehicle or more people that were involved from that night that Nancy disappeared.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, the problem there is that she didn't have the subscription service that would be saving those videos. They kind of auto delete and they need to retrieve them somehow.

[Lyndon Blake]

Yes. So that's the case. If you have the subscription service, it'll like save on your server. But because she Didn't. Now they're having to go back into, like, the deleted file of it all and try to just extract that video like they did the doorbell camera video. But Pima county sheriff said that they're not withholding anything right now, that Google has the other cameras and they're working towards finding something now.

[Georgia Howe]

Just to circle back, we have seen several homes and vehicles searched in this case. So far. None of that was fruitful.

[Lyndon Blake]

Yeah, nothing came of that. No arrest came of that. There was that person that was detained in Rio Rico. There was another person and a woman that were detained last Friday in a major SWAT operation, it looked like, but no arrest from that. Cars were towed during that one. Nothing came of that either. Pima county sheriff said that those individuals who have been detained are cleared up into a point. That's kind of a vague statement. But right now it seems that the people that were detained are speaking out, saying they have nothing to do with this and they want their names cleared.

[Georgia Howe]

Now. What about the family? Have they put out any more videos?

[Lyndon Blake]

Not since Savannah's last video where she was just pleading with whoever has her mom to bring their mom back. And we haven't heard from the siblings since more than a week ago when they released a video with Savannah. But right now, we know the people on the Today show, they're wearing these yellow ribbons to show their support for their co worker. They said that yellow is a symbol of hope.

[Georgia Howe]

We're closing in on three weeks this weekend. Lyndon, thanks for reporting.

[Lyndon Blake]

Thanks so much.

[John Bickley]

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