Trump has Disaster Landing as Ayatollah Rejects Meeting

Summary

---

The MeidasTouch Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: “Trump has Disaster Landing as Ayatollah Rejects Meeting”

Date: June 5, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

---

Episode Overview

In this high-energy episode, the MeidasTouch brothers break down the latest turmoil in U.S.–Iran relations with their characteristic blend of banter and sharp political insight. The main theme is the fallout from Donald Trump’s failed attempt to meet the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, amid escalating global tensions and market instability. They analyze Iran’s public rejection of Trump, the role of frozen assets in negotiations, shifting power alliances between Russia and Saudi Arabia, and how the Trump administration’s inexperience is worsening international crises.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ayatollah’s Rejection of Trump

• Iran’s Main Representative, Moshi Raza:
  Iran, via top adviser Moshi Raza, flatly refuses Trump’s desired meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei. Raza publicly blames Trump for stalling negotiations and insists that the U.S. must first release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
  • Quote:
    “This will not happen. Right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill.” — Moshi Raza (03:49)
  • Quote:
    “Iran has openly stated that our assets have been frozen and you must release them. The Americans are not telling the truth in this regard.” — Moshi Raza (05:41)

2. The $24 Billion Deadlock

• Raza frames the frozen assets as the central “test of trust” for America, indicating Iran won’t continue talks unless at least half the sum is unlocked first.
  • Quote:
    “If Trump takes the negotiations seriously, $24 billion is not much... This $24 billion is a test of trust.” — Moshi Raza (05:52)

3. Threats to Escalate Regional Conflict

• Iran warns it could shut down vital maritime pathways—the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz—should conflict deepen or blockades continue. Raza also points out the readiness of Houthi proxies.
  • Quote:
    “If the war continues and the naval blockade is not lifted, we will... give another dimension to the war by attacking other American bases... America will definitely suffer much more losses.” — Moshi Raza (07:08)

4. Pressure for Trump to Distance Himself from Israel

• Raza signals Iran demands Trump make decisions independent of Israeli interests, specifically Netanyahu.
  • Quote:
    “Mr. Trump must make decisions independently of Israel. He must give what is the rights of the Iranian people... and this can be a new horizon for the future of Iran in America.” — Moshi Raza (07:58)

5. Saudi Arabia & Russia's ‘Death Do Us Part’ Alliance

• A Saudi energy minister, in a pointed remark during a meeting with Putin, underscores Moscow and Riyadh’s enduring partnership.
  • Quote:
    “Although I am a Muslim and Russia is not Catholic, we do go by: until death do us part.” — Saudi Energy Minister (09:04)

6. Economic Fallout: Market Crash

• The hosts note a significant market crash, connecting it to mounting global instability and poor crisis management by Trump.
  • Comment:
    “Today that realization... was firmly made. Uh, but Donald Trump... is like, everything is great. The economy's doing fantastic... The situation with Iran seems to be going quite well.” — News Host, paraphrasing Trump (10:28)

7. Trump's Unfazed, Contradictory Tone

• Trump, denying any issue, claims at an arrival in Wisconsin that “job numbers were fantastic” and that discussions with Iran are “going great.”
  • Quote:
    “We have factories and plants being built all over our country... The situation with Iran seems to be going quite well. Thank you.” — Donald Trump (10:31)

8. Lack of Nuclear Negotiation Expertise

• Axios leaks reveal Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Oak Ridge National Lab for “consultations”—an admission of the need for actual nuclear negotiation experts, only now realized mid-crisis.
  • Insight:
    Former Israeli intelligence officers stress that the U.S. lacks the deep expertise Iran has in nuclear diplomacy, noting the late start in assembling a qualified team.

9. Dubious Intelligence Appointments

• Trump’s pick for acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, is highlighted as unvetted and lacking a clearance or experience, raising alarms about U.S. security.

10. Covered-Up U.S. Airbase Strike

• Damaging details emerge about an Iranian missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar), long covered up by U.S. officials, which crippled operational command.

11. Trump’s Shifting Story on Meeting the Ayatollah

• When asked directly, Trump equivocates: he’d be “honored” to meet Khamenei if it led to a deal, but denies suggesting such a meeting.
  • Quote:
    “I don't want to meet. But if, if I did meet, I'd be honored to meet him... But if we make a deal, it's possible that I would meet him, I'd be okay with it.” — Donald Trump (14:37)

12. Mossad Accuses J.D. Vance of Leaking to Erdogan

• The episode closes with breaking news that Israeli intelligence accuses U.S. Senator J.D. Vance of leaking Mossad plans regarding Kurds to Turkey’s president, leading Trump to veto a military operation—a move now called a grave betrayal.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trust and Negotiations:
  “This $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump. This is our own money, not America's money.” — Moshi Raza (05:52)

• On War Escalation:
  "We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases..." — Moshi Raza (07:08)

• On Trump’s Consistency:
  "I don't want to meet. But if, if I did meet, I'd be honored... I'd be respectful." — Donald Trump (14:37)

• On Saudi-Russia Partnership:
  "We do go by: until death do us part." — Saudi Minister (09:04)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment |
|-----------|------------------------------|
| 03:04 | Ayatollah’s rep: No meeting with Trump; stalemate over frozen assets
| 05:25 | Iranian official discusses the trust test and $24 billion deadlock
| 07:03 | Threats to expand war to Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean
| 07:52 | Iran urges Trump to break with Netanyahu
| 09:04 | Saudi energy minister affirms Russia alliance
| 10:28 | Trump’s Wisconsin remarks: “Everything is great”
| 10:59 | Report: Kushner, Witkoff scramble to consult nuclear experts
| 14:37 | Trump’s equivocal response about meeting the Ayatollah
| 14:59 | Breaking: Mossad accuses J.D. Vance of leaking Kurdish plan to Erdogan

---

Tone and Language

The brothers keep an urgent yet humorous tone, mixing policy criticism with quick-witted observations and drawing from their trademark unapologetic defense of democracy throughout the conversation. The episode is punctuated by incredulity at Trump’s improvisational approach to foreign policy and sharp jabs at the revolving cast of underqualified appointees in government.

---

Summary for New Listeners

This episode unpacks the rapidly worsening relationship between the U.S. and Iran, Trump’s diplomatic failings, and the dangerous knock-on effects for American security and global markets. The MeidasTouch brothers connect the day’s big headlines with deeper context—whether it’s how authoritarian adversaries are growing emboldened, or how the Trump administration’s lack of expertise and transparency is putting American lives and interests at risk. The episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the perilous consequences of current U.S. foreign policy through both analysis and irreverent brotherly banter.

Transcript

[Midi Health Announcer]

This podcast is supported by Midi Health. Are you in midlife feeling dismissed, unheard or just plain tired of the old health care system? You're not alone. For too long, women's serious midlife health issues have been trivialized, ignored and met with a just deal with it attitude. Many of us have been made to feel ashamed or forgotten. In fact, even today, 75% of women seeking care for menopause and perimenopause issues are are left entirely untreated. But here's the powerful truth. It's time for a change. It's time for miti. MITI is not just a health care provider. It's a women's telehealth clinic founded and supported by world class leaders in women's health. What sets MIDI apart? We are the only women's telehealth brand covered by major insurance companies, making high quality, expert care accessible and affordable. Our clinicians provide one on one face to face consultations where they truly listen to your unique needs. We offer a full range of holistic, data driven solutions from hormonal therapies and weight loss protocols to lifestyle coaching and preventative health guidance. This isn't one size fits all care. This is care uniquely tailored for you. At miti, you will join our patients who feel seen, heard and prioritized. You will find that our mission is clear to help all women thrive in midlife, giving them access to the health care they deserve. Because we believe midlife isn't the middle at all. It is the beginning of your second act. Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit join MIDI.com today to book your personalized insurance covered virtual Visit. That's join MIDI.com MIDI the Care Women Deserve

[Wayfair Advertiser]

hey there, it's Wayfair here, where delivery and setup are as easy as a few taps on your phone. You're relaxing in an old hammock, scrolling Wayfair's app when you spot it. A brand new patio set. Next thing you know, Wayfair delivers it right to your patio and sets it up. Oh, you need a new grill too. All right, Wayfair's got you covered. With Wayfair's room of choice delivery and fast expert setup on qualifying orders, life gets a little easier. Visit Wayfair.com or the Wayfair app.

[News Host]

Wayfair Every Style, Every Home.

[Jerry Insurance Advertiser]

Most people overpay for car insurance not because they're careless, but because switching feels like too much hassle. That's why there's Jerry, your proactive insurance assistant. Jerry compares rates side by side from over 50 top insurers and helps you switch with ease. Jerry even tracks market rates and alerts you when it's best to shop. No spam calls, no hidden fees. Drivers who save with Jerry could save over $1,300 a year. Switch with confidence. Download the Jerry app or visit Jerry AI Libsyn today. That's J E R R Y AI Lib S Y N Donald Trump just

[News Host]

had a disastrous landing aboard Air Force One as he learned that the ayatollah through the Ayatollah's main representative, Moshi Raza, is saying under no circumstance does the ayatollah want to meet with Donald Trump. No interest in meeting whatsoever. Let me show you what Motion Razi, the ayatollah's top adviser, former commander of the irgc, said moments ago. Then a little bit, I'm going to show you what Trump's reaction to that was. But let's play this clip.

[Interviewer]

Military advisor of the Supreme Leader. How is the supreme Leader doing? Is he fully in control of everything? And President Trump said that he would be honored to meet the supreme Leader.

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

This will not happen. Right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill. This will not happen.

[News Host]

Also, Mohsin Raza, who is the ayatollah's top advisor, again a former commander at the irgc, told CNN that a potential peace deal between Iran and the United States is currently being blocked because Donald Trump is refusing to release the $24 billion in sanctions that was previously agreed to. And Motion Razi says, we don't trust states with anything. And so the way they can show their trust is at least by releasing half of the $24 billion. And then we can have a discussion. If that doesn't happen, there's no discussion. And it was just interesting how the CNN reporter kind of framed the question as though we're waiting on a response from Iran, because that's what the Trump regime's been saying. And anyone who's been following the Midas Touch network knows that Iran's been responding consistently about all of these things since since early April. And they've been talking about their demands since really the war began, since Trump and Netanyahu invaded. And so whether you like their demands or not is besides the point. They've been pretty clear about what their framework was. And then Donald Trump reposted their framework when the ceasefire was initiated. It seems like ages ago at this point, but what, a month and a half, two months ago? Listen to what he has to say, let's play this clip.

[Interviewer]

Are the negotiations right now blocked, or do you think that a memorandum of understanding can be reached quickly?

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

In my opinion, the negotiations are at a deadlock and Trump must break this deadlock.

[Interviewer]

They are waiting for an answer from Iran.

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

Iran has openly stated that our assets have been frozen and you must release them. The Americans are not telling the truth in this regard.

[Interviewer]

So the frozen assets are the big problem right now.

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

This is a sign of trust building. If Trump takes the negotiations seriously, $24 billion is not much to America if he wants to reach an agreement with Iran. This $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump. This is a test that America must pass and the path will be opened. This is our own money, not America's money.

[News Host]

More from the senior Iranian adviser to the Ayatollah, Motion Reza. And he says, look, we are prepared if this war continues to shut down the Bob El Mandib Strait in the Red Sea. We will absolutely go there. We are prepared to do it. We have the Strait of Hormuz under our control. And then we have the Houthis, who are an Iranian proxy group in the Red Sea. They're ready to go. Not only are they ready to go, the Houthis previously were able to control the Red Sea. And then there's been a kind of a ceasefire since. I know Donald Trump praised them in May 2025 and said, they're so strong, they're so great, and they could be activated again very quickly. Let's play this clip.

[Interviewer]

Traffic for Iran as well, though. If it was a big bombing campaign,

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

if the war continues and the naval blockade is not lifted, we will Dr. The war to the Indian Ocean, the Babel, Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. And we will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases that we have been attacking so far. America will definitely suffer much more losses. America's losses will be very heavy.

[News Host]

More from the senior Iranian official Motion Reza, and he tells CNN that, you know, Donald Trump also must make his decisions independent of Netanyahu. Here's what Motion Reza says here.

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

Play this clip will be very heavy.

[Interviewer]

Final question. What's your message to Donald Trump?

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

Mr. Trump must make decisions independently of Israel. He must give what is the rights of the Iranian people and stop the blockade, release our frozen assets, and this can be a new horizon for the future of Iran in America. Therefore, Trump must put aside his personal interests and think about the interests of the American people. If Trump has the Courage. Many issues will be resolved in the future.

[News Host]

Now, at the same time, Motion Reza was saying that the Saudi energy minister at a meeting with Putin moments ago said the following about a Russia, Saudi partnership. We will stay together until death do us part. I mean, do you see how Donald Trump is emboldening America's adversaries like Putin and how Donald Trump thinks he's so close with MBS in Saudi Arabia? But look at what they're saying right now. And then I'm gonna show you what Trump just said moments ago. Here, play this clip from COVID to

[Saudi Energy Minister]

all of these storms and winds and whims of the world. And even today, we're going through so many crises in many places, in different places with different causes, yet we are weathering all of these storms with a diligent commitment to each other as partners, that although I am a Muslim and Russia is not Catholic, but still we do go by until death do us part. Thank you.

[News Host]

Now, as I'm sure you probably heard, the markets absolutely crashed today. Total tank. I think they're starting to realize how bad Donald Trump has screwed everything up. It seems that today that realization Friday was kind of firmly made. Uh, but Donald Trump, as he's getting into Wisconsin, you'll see him right here, and he's like, everything is great. Everything is amazing. The economy's doing fantastic right now. And our discussions with Iran, they're going great. Then a reporter says, okay, can you tell us, like, how they're going? Watch Donald Trump's response right here. Let's play this clip.

[Interviewer]

Oh, let's see what the President has to say.

[Donald Trump]

Again, the job numbers were fantastic today. It's like nobody thought many times what they thought they'd be. We have factories and plants being built all over our country at a number that we've never had before, ever, in our history. And we're doing really well. The situation with Iran seems to be going quite well. Thank you.

[News Host]

Now, I'll tell you what the latest that was leaked to Barack Ravid of Axios was. He says Trump's envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, traveled to the National Lab in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on Thursday for consultations with a new team of experts at. I had a potential nuclear negotiations with Iran. And so you're now learning about the way nuclear dilution works. You're learning this for the very first time, as Danny Citroenates. So former Israeli intelligence offer officer in the Middle east who's been very critical of this Trump regime invasion with no plan. I mean, he described he explains how this the nuclear issue, the nuclear file is an exceptionally complex issue when negotiating with Iranian counterparts who have spent decades developing deep technical and negotiating expertise on the nuclear file. It's also worth noting that one of the factors contributing to the current crisis was the limited familiarity of some officials involved in previous negotiations with the full complexity of the Iranian nuclear challenge. So you need to bring in experts. But here we are June 5th for the first time. It's like maybe we should talk to some experts, goes on to say at the same time, this should not be viewed as a one time consultation. A dedicated team of nuclear, regional intelligence and sanctions experts should be established to support the negotiations throughout the process, ensuring that policymakers have continuous access to the technical knowledge required for informed decision, decision making on such sensitive and and consequential issues. Right. You're just realizing this now. And so it's not a smart thing to appoint people who are not experts to these positions, like Bill Pulte. Despite being announced earlier this week by Trump as his next acting director of National Intelligence, the highest intelligence community position in the United States, he has not yet even been vetted, nor does he hold a security clearance granting him access to highly classified information, which is critical for anyone serving in any senior intelligence community role, yet alone the highest senior intelligence community role. CNN was the first to report that. Right now. Also additional information coming out about the true scope and extent of the United States Air base, the main command center and Al UD and how badly it was actually destroyed in the in the opening weeks of the war. This was covered up. Now it's being reported hat tip to Air and Space Force magazine for reporting it. Multiple Iranian ballistic missiles struck the US Air Force Combined Air Operations center at Al Udid Air Base, Qatar, in the early weeks of the Iran war, severely damaging the facility which ran America's air campaigns in the Middle east and for over two decades and rendering it inoperable. A senior US Official and other people informed about the attack told Air and Space magazine no personnel were injured. They then had to basically work out of Shaw Air Base in South Carolina. But this was fully covered up. Now, as I'm sure you know, two days ago Donald Trump said how much he wants to meet with the Ayatollah. And so here's what Trump said so you can see for yourself what Trump had to say about meeting with the Ayatollah.

[Donald Trump]

Plus, play this clip, Know what we had to do.

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

And we first want to meet with the new Ayatollah, the new supreme leader.

[Donald Trump]

I don't want to meet. But if, if I did meet, I'd be honored to meet him. I'd like to see if we make a deal. But if we make a deal, it's possible that I would meet him, I'd be okay with it.

[Moshi Raza (Iranian Advisor)]

That happened here in the US I

[Donald Trump]

haven't really heard too much about it. I, I didn't suggest it, but some people have suggested it. If it happened to him, he happened and I'd be, I'd be respectful and

[News Host]

I'll do a report on this later. But now Israel and the Mossad is accusing J.D. vance of leaking a Mossad plan to use Kurdish forces against Iran directly to Turkey's President Erdogan, who then lobbied Trump to kill it. Erdogan's red line, no Kurdish military force near Turkey's border. Trump then vetoed the operation. But Israel's Mossad is saying Vance was responsible for taking their classified information and giving it to Erdogan. You can see on various levels what Israel's Mossad is doing right now. And I think J.D. vance, this is a terrible, is a terrible human being. But he was someone who at least initially was speaking out against never ending wars ultimately to be complicit in all of these war crimes. Hit subscribe let's get to 7 million subscribers. Thanks for watching everybody. Want to stay plugged in? Become a subscriber to our [e-mail] you'll get daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski, ad free episodes of our podcast and more exclusive content only [e-mail]

[Shopify Advertiser]

you didn't start a business just to keep the lights on. You're here to sell more today than yesterday. You're here to win. Lucky for you, Shopify built the best, best converting checkout on the planet. Like the just one tapping ridiculously fast acting sky high sales stacking champion of checkouts. That's the good stuff right there. So if your business is in it to win it, win with Shopify. Start your free trial [e-mail] win Ryan

[Ryan Reynolds (Mint Mobile Advertiser)]

Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying, no judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway, give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment of $45 for

[Wayfair Advertiser]

three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail].