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The President's Daily Brief
March 10th, 2026: Mysterious Iranian Transmission Raises Sleeper Cell Fears & Fuel Depot Strike Causes US-Israel Rift
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Mike Baker
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Mike Baker
Lambda. It's Tuesday, the 10th of March. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. First up, U.S. intelligence intercepts encrypted communications believed to originate from Iran that that may have been intended for sleeper agents operating overseas. I'll have those details later in the show. What may be the first serious split between Washington and Jerusalem, as US Officials reportedly expressed frustration after Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots went far beyond what they expected. Plus, another escalation from Iran as NATO defenses shoot down a ballistic missile after it enters Turkish airspace. And in today's Back of the Brief, five members of Iran's women's national team defect during an international soccer tournament in Australia. But first, today's PDB. U.S. intelligence officials are warning that Iran may be preparing to activate sleeper agents outside the country. According to new reporting from ABC News, American authorities have intercepted encrypted communications believed to have originated from Iran, but that may serve as an operational trigger for covert operatives positioned abroad. The message was encoded and relayed across multiple countries through a radio transmission system designed to reach clandestine recipients already in possession of the proper transmission data and encryption key. The federal alert, which has been distributed to law enforcement agencies across the US Cautions that analysts have not yet determined the exact contents of the transmission. But the nature of the signal and the way it was broadcast has raised enough concern that authorities are urging heightened awareness and closer monitoring of unusual radio frequency activity. Now, to be clear, officials say there is no confirmed threat tied to any specific locations at this time. But intelligence agencies are paying close attention because of when this transmission appeared. According to the alert, the signal was detected shortly after the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on 28 February during the opening hours of the current operation. Since then, Iran's clerical leadership has moved to consolidate power, officially confirming Khamenei's son, Mojtab al Khamenei as the country's new supreme leader. At the same time, the US and Israel are continuing their ongoing airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. As we've discussed on this program, Iran is badly outmatched in the conventional fight, something the regime's leadership is well aware of. And when Iran finds itself facing an existential threat, it's likely to turn to asymmetric tactics. That means using proxies, covert operatives, and clandestine networks to strike back in ways that are harder to predict. In that context, Western intelligence officials have long warned that Tehran could seek retaliation not only on the battlefield, but through covert networks operating far from the Middle East. And the type of signal intercepted here fits a very specific kind of intelligence tradecraft. Instead of using the Internet or cellular networks, both of which can be monitored and traced, intelligence services sometimes rely on encrypted radio broadcasts to communicate with COVID operatives. These transmissions can be broadcast across large geographic areas and received by anyone who possesses the correct transmission details and encryption key. That means a signal message can deliver instructions to multiple operatives simultaneously. It's a technique that dates back many, many decades and has been used by intelligence agencies around the world to communicate with sleeper assets, individuals positioned inside foreign countries who remain essentially dormant until activated. Now, this possibility was already on the radar of U.S. intelligence officials well before the current conflict began. As we reported here just two weeks ago, before the current conflict even kicked off, reporting from the New York Times revealed that American and European security agencies were monitoring increasing intelligence chatter. That chatter, suggesting that Iran could direct proxy groups to carry out retaliatory attacks against US Targets if a military campaign against the regime was launched. At the time, analysts didn't identify any specific plots in motion, but officials warned that Tehran could potentially mobilize a network of partners and operatives if it viewed a U. S. Led offensive as an existential potential threat. Those potential actors could include Hezbollah sleeper cells in Europe, militias operating in Iraq and Yemen, or other covert operatives capable of targeting American embassies or military facilities or other Western interests abroad. This approach would be consistent with Iran's longstanding strategy of asymmetric warfare. Rather than confronting stronger military powers directly, Iran has frequently relied on proxy forces, covert operatives, and indirect attacks designed to raise the cost of military action against the regime. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the irgc, and specifically its Quds force, has spent decades cultivating networks of allies and clandestine contacts across the Middle east and beyond. For now, authorities are saying that the intercepted transmission does not confirm that any attack is imminent. But the Signal has been serious enough to trigger a nationwide alert and increased monitoring by security agencies. Now, sticking with the Iran conflict for just a moment longer. As an aside, President Trump commented during an event in Florida last night that he believes the US could wrap up this current operation quickly. He alluded several times during a speech that the military objectives have been mostly met, primarily meaning the decimation of Iran's military infrastructure. And as a result, he implied that the conflict could end in the near future. Coming up next, signs of the first real tension between Washington and Jerusalem after Israeli strikes inside Iran reportedly surprised US Officials. Plus NATO defenses. Intercept an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, folks who know me know that I may be partial to an ice cold gin martini or two on occasion, usually whenever happy hour rolls around. But the truth is I don't want to pay for it the next day. And that's why I love Zbiotics. You may have heard me talk about Zebiotics before. It's the first genetically engineered probiotic created by PhD scientists who know a lot about drinking to help you handle those rough mornings after drinking. Now, here's the deal. 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Then straight to the gym, pre K pickup back home to meal prep. Time for my fire station shift. One more Celsius. Gotta keep the lights on when the three alarm hits. I'm ready. Celsius live fit. Go grab a Cold refreshing Celsius at your local retailer or locate now@celsius.com welcome back to the PDB. Since the start of this conflict, Washington and Jerusalem have been closely aligned in their campaign against Iran. But Israeli airstrikes on the regime's fuel depots are sparking friction between the allies, raising concerns inside the Trump administration about oil prices and increasing prices at the fuel pump. According to US And Israeli officials, Jerusalem did notify Washington ahead of time that it intended to strike the Iranian energy infrastructure. But American officials say what they didn't expect was the scale of that operation. Instead of a limited strike, Israeli aircraft hit roughly 30 fuel depots across the Islamic Republic, dramatically expanding the scope of the attack. The strikes ignited massive fires in Tehran, sending thick smoke over the capital and producing images of burning infrastructure visible for miles. Those images made their way to social media, raising concerns that the conflict could spread to the region's energy infrastructure. According to the idf, the fuel depots helped supply both ordinary Iranian consumers and the regime's military units. Officials in Jerusalem say the purpose of the strikes was partly to send a warning. In recent days, Iran has targeted Israeli civilian infrastructure, and the message is clear. If those attacks continue, the Jewish state is prepared to strike the systems that help sustain the regime. But inside Washington, the reaction has been more complicated. Some U.S. officials worry that attacking fuel infrastructure used by ordinary Iranians could backfire strategically by rallying public support for the regime and their new chosen supreme leader. One senior American official who spoke to Axios said, quote, we don't think it was a good idea, end quote. Well, that's quite the statement, and I want to point out that privately, American reaction was even sharper. One Israeli official said the message coming from Washington mounted to a simple response of, quote, wtf? Okay, if there's any kids listening, go ahead and put your earmuffs on. For those not in the know, WTF means what the fuck? Okay, kids, you can take your earmuffs off now. So here's why this matters. The concern inside the Trump administration isn't about the optics of burning fuel depots in Tehran. It's about what those images signal to global energy markets. When traders see energy infrastructure going up in flames during a war in the Gulf. Well, the immediate fear is that the conflict could spread to the region's oil supply and the global oil supply, and that is exactly the scenario that President Trump has been trying to avoid. Advisers to the president say Trump is closely watching energy markets and is focused on preventing the war from triggering a broader shock to global oil Prices, Oil has now jumped to over $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022. One adviser said, quote, the president doesn't like the attack. He wants to save the oil, end quote. Adding that the burning energy infrastructure risks reinforcing fears of supply disruptions. That brings us to the next chain of events. Iran's response. A spokesman for Iran's military command says that if energy infrastructure continues to be targeted, the regime could respond with retaliatory strikes on fuel infrastructure elsewhere in the region. It's a move that could send global oil prices significantly higher. That threat connects directly to one of the most sensitive points in the global energy system, and that would be the Strait of Hormuzzi. As we've previously discussed, roughly 20% of the world's seaborne oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway daily. But since the conflict began, the mullahs have warned that vessels attempting to transit the strait could be targeted. And ship tracking data indicates maritime traffic has slowed dramatically amid that threat. And as mentioned, the markets are reacting. The price of West Texas Intermediate Oil, which is the American crude benchmark, jumped roughly 40% since the conflict began, passing $100 per barrel yesterday. And gas prices in the US have reportedly risen 17% since the conflict began. Industry analysts warn that if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue, diesel prices could climb toward $5 per gallon in some areas, while gasoline could approach $4 nationwide. In the U.S. the price increases, along with the general volatility in the global markets, likely account in part for President Trump's stated assessment that the conflict could end quickly. It would seem to be an to calm global energy markets. Okay, I want to shift to Turkey, where air defenses intercepted a second Iranian ballistic missile that crossed into Turkish airspace in the past week. That's an alarming development. As the regime's retaliatory strikes inch closer to NATO's doorstep. Turkish officials say the missile crossed into the country's airspace before being intercepted with debris falling in empty fields in the southeastern part of Turkey. Ankara reported that there were no injuries or casualties. Now, this is the second Iranian ballistic missile to enter Turkish airspace. In other words, the regime's retaliatory barrage is again setting its sights dangerously close to the NATO alliance's southeastern flank. And it's Turkish officials that are making clear they're not going to tolerate that kind of recklessness. In a statement, the Turkish Defense Ministry warned that, quote, we once again emphasize that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace. According to officials in Ankara, NATO air defense systems stationed in the eastern Mediterranean intercepted the missile before it could travel further inland. The country's defense minister says it's still unclear where the missile was originally headed before it crossed into Turkish airspace. Now, to understand why this incident is drawing serious attention, aside from Turkey being a member of NATO, of course, you have to look at where the debris landed and what sits nearby. The fragments fell in a city in southeastern Turkey that basically lies between two major NATO installations. In the south sits Injerlik Air Base, which hosts American forces and has long served as a key hub for NATO operations in the region. To the northeast is a NATO radar facility in Malatya province that provides early warning and missile defense coverage for the alliance. Turkish officials have also been careful to clarify one important point in this escalating conflict. They have made it known that US Forces have not used Sinderlik Air base in the joint military campaign with Israel against the regime. Still, Ankara is making clear it expects those attacks to stay far away from Turkish territory. Turkish President Erdogan's communications office says the country is warning all parties, in particularly the mullahs, to avoid further steps that threaten civilians or regional stability. Turkish officials say they're monitoring the situation closely and do not plan at this time to invoke NATO's Article 4 consultation mechanism. That process allows alliance members to call for emergency talks if they believe their security is under threat. And from there, the stakes can rise quickly because discussions under Article 4 can lead to invoking Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on the entire alliance. Okay, coming up next in the back of the brief, five members of Iran's women's national soccer team defect while competing in Australia. More on that when we come back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, you've probably heard me talk about Brunt Workwear in the past, right? It's a terrific company making comfortable, tough and durable work boots and work wear. In fact, they're so confident you'll love their gear, Brunt Workwear will actually let you wear their boots to the job site before deciding if you want to keep them. How about that? Now, one of my favorites is their Marin boots. They're comfortable right out of the box, which is really important. 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Mike Baker
more in today's Back of the Brief we're taking a look at a dramatic scene unfolding thousands of miles from the conflict zone. Five members of Iran's women's national soccer team have defected while competing at the AFC Women's Asia cup in Australia. According to reports, the players quietly left their team hotel Monday evening following Iran's final match of the tournament and were taken to a secure location. With assistance from Australian authorities, they are now being housed in a safe facility operated by the Australian Federal Police. The Iranian squad had been in Australia for the tournament before the escalation began back home, but as tensions grew in recent days, the players suddenly found themselves caught in the middle of a political storm. The controversy began during Iran's opening match of the tournament when members of the women's team refused to sing the national anthem before kickoff. The moment was widely interpreted as a silent protest against the Iranian regime. Now, it's not the first time that Iranian athletes have taken such a step. You may recall that members of Iran's men's national team declined to sing the anthem ahead of their opening match during the 2022 World cup in Qatar. It's a gesture that drew attention at the time, but in this case, the reaction from Iranian state media was swift and severe. Commentators on state television accused the players of betraying their country. One presenter went so far as to say that, quote, traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely. That's a statement widely viewed as a warning of potential punishment should the players return home. After the backlash, the team appeared to reverse course in their next two matches. Players sang the anthem and even performed a military style salute before kickoff. Moves that observers believe may have been made under pressure from Iranian authorities. Really? You think so? Behind the scenes, the situation had already begun, drawing the attention of international officials. Reports say discussions were taking place involving the Australian government, FIFA and tournament organizers about whether the Iranian players might face risks if they return to their home country. And then came the quiet exit. Sources say the five players disappeared from the team hotel Monday evening and didn't appear at a scheduled team dinner. Authorities later confirmed they'd been moved to a secure location for their safety. The situation remains delicate, of course. Some members of the Iranian squad are reportedly planning to return home, in part because they fear retaliation against family members still living in Iran. And that, my friends, is the President's Daily brief for Tuesday, 10th March. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the first tv.com and finally, if you haven't already, all of us here at the PDB would much appreciate if you could check out our YouTube channel. It's pretty simple. Just head on over to YouTube and search up at President's Daily Brief. Now, if you like what you see and nine out of ten folks do well, please hit that subscribe button. I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back later today with the PDB afternoon bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.