
Loading summary
A
An all new season of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney. Mom Talk has just been blowing up.
B
Whitney and Jen are on Dancing with the Stars. Taylor is a bachelorette. Saying that out loud is crazy.
A
Like that is huge.
B
But all the cool opportunities could pull us apart. It's causing issues in everyone's marriage. My whole world is falling apart right now.
A
It's chaos. Watch the Hulu original series the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers to from supply. It's Thursday 12th 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, Iran has introduced a dangerous new weapon into the fight. Israeli officials say Tehran is now firing ballistic missiles ar with cluster warheads, sometimes referred to as cluster bombs. More difficult to intercept and more dangerous for civilians on the ground. I'll have the details later in the show. The west may disagree about the war in Iran, but there's one thing they can all agree on, and that would be cheap oil. Member countries in the International energy agency, the IEA, are releasing a record 400 million barrels from emergency reserves in an effort to stabilize markets and bring gasoline prices down. Plus, we're learning new details about the toll this war has taken on American forces. A new report says as many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the first 10 days of fighting with Iran. And in today's Back of the Brief, we've got new information about Iran's newly named supreme leader. That, of course, would be Mojtab Al Khamenei and why he hasn't been seen in public since the war began. But first, today's pdb. Iran appears to be adapting its tactics as the war grinds on, introducing a dangerous new weapon that Israeli officials say is now appearing on the battlefield. And that would be cluster munitions. According to Israeli authorities, Iran has begun firing ballistic missiles equipped with cluster warheads, weapons designed to burst open high in the air and scatter dozens of smaller explosives, sometimes referred to as bomblets, across a wide area. Instead of one missile striking a single target, these weapons disperse multiple bombs over large sections of ground. They're not new, but they have been banned by over 100 countries. That makes them particularly difficult for air defenses to deal with. Even if Israeli systems manage to intercept part of the attack, the cluster bombs can continue falling across a wide area, creating multiple potential impact points. But the real concern isn't just their effectiveness against missile defenses, it's who they're most likely to hit. Cluster munitions are among the most controversial weapons in modern warfare. As mentioned, more than 120 countries have banned them outright because of the danger they pose to civilians. The smaller bomblets that they release often scatter unpredictably across neighborhoods and roads and open areas. Some fail to detonate on impact, effectively becoming hidden landmines that could injure or kill civilians long after the strike itself. This danger has played out repeatedly in past conflicts. During the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, large numbers of cluster bomblets were left scattered across southern Lebanon, where unexploded munitions continued injuring civilians long after the fighting stopped. Similar problems have been documented in conflicts from Southeast Asia to Ukraine, where unexploded bomblets have turned farmland and roads and neighborhoods into into long term hazard zones. Compounding the problem, these weapons are notorious for having high dud rates, meaning a significant percentage of the bomblets never explode when they hit the ground. And that points to an uncomfortable reality about these weapons. Their usefulness against military targets is extremely limited. The impact zones are so widely dispersed that they are poorly suited for striking specific infrastructure or hardened military facilities. Instead, their effects tend to fall most heavily on populated areas. In other words, the real damage these weapons inflict is often measured not in destroyed military targets, but in civilian casualties and psychological pressure. Israeli officials say that's exactly what they're now seeing, with cluster bombs reportedly falling across multiple areas. As Iran continues its missile campaign, it's worth noting that this isn't the first time that Iran has deployed these weapons, and it was already known that cluster munitions were part of Tehran's arsenal. Iranian forces used similar cluster warheads during the 12 Day War with Israel in June of last year, when missiles carrying submunitions scattered explosives across populated areas. Meanwhile, turning to Israel's conflict with Iranian proxy Hezbollah, new reporting suggests Iran may now be coordinating more closely with Hezbollah in Lebanon, launching synchronized attacks designed to hit Israel from multiple directions at once. Analysts say the strategy may be intended to overwhelm Israel's already heavily engaged air defense systems by forcing them to track and intercept threats arriving simultaneously from different fronts. If that coordination continues, it could create a serious challenge for the country's sophisticated layers of missile defense. Instead of intercepting a single wave of incoming missiles, Israeli defenses may suddenly have to track threats approaching from multiple directions at the same time, from Iran to the east, of course, and Hezbollah controlled territory in Leb and to the north. Taken together, these developments suggest that Iran may be shifting its approach to the war. Rather than relying solely on conventional missile strikes aimed at military infrastructure, Tehran appears to be moving toward tactics that spread damage more widely, complicate air defenses, and increase pressure on Israel's civilian population. It's the same approach that Iran has taken in their targeting of Gulf states, where initially they focused on US Facilities located in those countries and then began varying their targeting to include civilian infrastructure. Alright, coming up next, a massive emergency oil release as Western nations move to stabilize prices. Plus, new reporting says as many as 150 US troops have been wounded in the first 10 days of the Iran war. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, if you're like me, you've probably tried and probably tossed out a number of wallets in the past, right? Either they they don't hold up or they don't hold enough or they hold too much. You know what I'm talking about. One of those big leather brick wallets. It's overstuffed, it's falling apart, it's uncomfortable in your back pocket. Well, then I switched to Ridge. Look, their slim modern wallet holds up to 12 cards plus cash. Yes, I still use cash crafted from premium materials like aluminum. Oh wait, that could be aluminum. Depending on where you're from. Titanium and carbon fiber. With over 50 styles to choose from, every wallet includes RFID blocking protection. That's a very solid idea. And a lifetime warranty. It's seriously the last wallet you'll buy. Add the airtag attachment so you never lose it. Plus, Ridge makes premium everyday carry gear with free shipping and a 99 day risk free trial on everything they sell for a limited time. Our PDB listeners get 10% off at Ridge by using code PDB at checkout. Just head on over to ridge.com and use code PDB and you're all set. After your purchase, they'll ask what you heard about them. Do me a favor, tell them the PDB sent you. Hey, PDB listeners, Mike Baker here with a quick recommendation for your podcast playlist. Look, if you like deep, insightful conversations with world class thinkers. And who doesn't? Come on, Check out the Jordan Harbinger Show. It's available on Apple, Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. Jordan sits down with people who've been in the room at the highest levels. From national security leaders to thinkers reshaping how we understand the world. You'll hear ideas and stories that go way beyond the usual sound bites. Two episodes. I'd recommend an interview with our friend Ryan Macbeth on Venezuela's collapse. That's a clear look at how a once wealthy oil state unraveled and what that means, of course, for regional stability. And also his conversation with Douglas Murray where they explore the pressures facing Western democracies and what those trends mean for long term stability. Download the Jordan Harbinger Show. That's H A R B I N G E R just like it sounds on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your shows. Or just go to jordanharbinger.com start to dive right in. It's one of those podcasts that makes you smarter, so give it a go. Welcome back to the PDB after days of wild swings in global oil prices tied of course, to the conflict in the Middle east, the world's energy watchdog is stepping in. The International energy agency, the IEA, agreed to release 400 million barrels from emergency crude stockpiles, the largest tap of oil reserves in history. To better understand why energy officials are taking such an extraordinary step, well, we have to return to what's been unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict between the U.S. israel and Iran intensified over the past two weeks. Tanker traffic through that narrow waterway has nearly ground to a halt. And as we've been tracking, the regime has been threatening commercial shipping with missiles and drones since well before the conflict began. And now that's come to fruition in recent days with at least three tanker attacks. And there have been reports that the regime may now be laying mines in the strait, creating a situation where many tanker operators are simply unwilling to risk sending their vessels through the strategic passage. That's the backdrop for the unanimous decision by the IEA's member countries. The agency's executive director says the release is intended to offset the immediate supply losses caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize global energy supplies. Typically, strategic oil reserves are of course, called on only during major supply emergencies, such as wars or natural disasters or severe disruptions to global energy flows. The last time reserves were tapped was during the opening days of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine back in 2022, when IEA countries released 182 million barrels to stabilize markets. This new agreement, however, well, that more than doubles that previous amount. But even a release this large may only be buying a relatively short reprieve. With tanker traffic through the strait largely halted, roughly 15 million barrels of crude oil and another 5 million barrels of petroleum products are currently unable to reach markets each day. When you run the numbers, the IEA's 400 million barrel release would cover roughly 26 days of lost supply, which explains why energy markets have been so volatile. This week we saw Brent crude surge to nearly $120 per barrel before falling sharply. Prices later rebounded to around $91 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate, that's the US benchmark, traded near $85 per barrel. As you've likely noticed, those roller coaster swings are already hitting people at the gas pumps. According to data from the American Automobile association, the average price of gasoline has clim about 60 cents per gallon since the conflict began. Now, I want to bring you another layer to this story. Despite the threats to shipping and the near shutdown of tanker traffic, some oil shipments are still moving through the Strait of Hormuz without harm. So you ask yourself, whose oil is it and where is it going? Well, look no further than Tehran and Beijing. According to the firm TankerTrackers.com the regime has transferred nearly 12 million barrels of crude through the strait since the conflict began, and every shipment has been bound for China. That's because after years of US Sanctions targeting Tehran's energy sector, most countries stopped buying Iranian crude. China, however, continues to purchase it, stockpiling its own reserves. Okay, I want to shift now to the cost that this conflict is taking on American service members. A new report reveals that as many as 150 troops have been wounded in Iran's retaliatory attacks. That number comes from two people familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters in an exclusive report. They said the injuries occurred during roughly the first 10 days of the fight against Iran. And to put that in perspective, until this reporting surfaced, aside from fatalities, the Pentagon confirmed only eight U.S. service members were seriously injured. After the Reuters report was published, the Pentagon moved to clarify the broader picture. Defense Officials say roughly 140American service members have been wounded since the opening phase of the conflict. It's assumed that those injuries occurred during Iran's retaliatory attacks targeting American military bases across the region. According to chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, most of those injuries were relatively minor. And according to the Pentagon, 108 of those wounded service members have returned to duty. The eight troops previously identified as seriously injured are receiving what officials described as the highest level of medical care. Now, there are still some unanswered questions. Officials of the Pentagon have not disclosed the exact type of injuries, regardless of how minor, that US Troops have sustained. And it remains unclear whether the more serious conditions include traumatic brain injuries, something that is common when service members are exposed to blast waves from missiles or drone strikes. As American strikes continue targeting weapons depots and missile launch sites, launchers and stockpiles, the Pentagon says Tehran's capacity to sustain their strikes is significantly diminishing. And that dynamic is reflected in Pentagon updates. General Dan Kaine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Iranian forces are resisting but have not proven stronger than American military planners anticipated. Kaine said in a Pentagon briefing, I think they're fighting, and I respect that. But I don't think they're more formidable than we thought. Okay. Well, coming up next in the back of the brief, new reporting reveals Iran's supreme leader, Mujtab Al Khamenei, may have been injured in the same strike that killed the former supreme leader, his father. More on that when we come back. Hey, Mike Baker here with an important tip for home safety. Look, if you own a handgun, this message is for you. Handgun owners know that often your weapon storage options, well, they likely fall into two frustrating categories, right? Locked away and out of reach or unsecured and vulnerable. And neither option is acceptable. And that's where Stopbox comes in. Stopbox USA solved this with the Stopbox Pro. It's mechanical, it's keyless, safe, that offers fast, secure access without batteries or keys. Its push button locking system ensures reliability when every second counts. The Stopbox Pro drastically reduces response time while keeping your firearm protected and stored securely. With StopBox USA, you no longer have to choose between security and readiness. The Stopbox Pro delivers both efficiently, reliably and without compromise. And for a limited time. Our PDB listeners get 15% off at Stopbox when you use the Code Baker at checkout. That's B A K E R, just like you would think. Head to stopboxusa.com and use code baker for 15% off your entire order after you purchase. Well, they'll ask what you heard about them. Do me a favor, tell them the PDB sent you. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, you've probably heard me talk about Brunt Workwear before, right? It's a terrific company making comfortable, tough and durable work boots and work wear. They're so confident, actually, that you'll love their gear. And here's what they do. Brunt Workwear will actually let you wear their boots to the job site before deciding if you want to keep them. One of my favorites is their Marin boots, right? Comfortable right out of the box. There's no break in, period. Now, Brunt was started by Eric Girard. He grew up blue collar and built the kind of tough, ridiculously comfortable boots that real trades people have been asking for. Braun was tired of the workwear brands out there cutting corners. You work too hard to be stuck in uncomfortable boots and workwear that don't hold up right, so they built something better. That simple. They built boots and gear that are insanely comfortable and tough enough for any job. And for a limited time, our listeners get $10 off at Brunt. When you use code PDB at checkout, just head on over to BruntWorkware.com use the code PDB and you're good to go. After you order, they'll ask where you heard about Brunt. Yeah, do me a favor if you could tell them the PDB sent you
B
the New York Post has been delivering impactful headlines for over two centuries, and every weekday morning I'll bring them straight to you. I'm Caitlin Becker, host of the New York Post Cast from Washington to Wall Street. If it matters to you, you'll hear it here. And it wouldn't be the Post without the stories other outlets like to ignore. So ask your smart speaker to play the NY Postcast, listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
A
In today's Back of the Brief, we're learning new details about Iran's newly installed supreme leader, Mushtaba Khamenei, and it may be a clue as to why he hasn't been seen in public since being selected to replace his father. According to Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, Mujtab al Khamenei was wounded in the 28 February attack that targeted a compound used by members of Iran's leadership. That strike, which occurred in the opening days of the war, killed several members of the Khamenei family, including his father, the country's longtime supreme leader. Mujtaba survived the attack but reportedly suffered injuries to his legs and one of his hands. Those wounds may also help explain something that observers have been pointing out since the conflict began. Iran's new supreme leader has not been seen in public since his installation as the country's top authority. There have been no photographs, no video appearances, and no public addresses from Moshtab al Khamenei. In fact, the only statement attributed to him so far came during the official announcement of his elevation to supreme leader, and even that message was delivered through Iranian state media rather than directly by Khamenei himself. That lack of visibility has raised questions among analysts about the true state of Iran's leadership. Now, under normal circumstances, the installation of a new supreme leader would be accompanied by public ceremonies, speeches and carefully choreographed appearances meant to project strength and stability. Instead, Mujtab Al Khamenei has remained entirely out of sight. Iranian officials insist there is nothing unusual about the situation. They say the new supreme leader is recovering from his injuries and is overseeing the country's leadership from a secure location. Now, there is some logic in keeping him hidden, given that Israel has already said that he is a target. But the silence has only fueled speculation that the real power inside Tehran may currently rest with other figures, particularly the powerful commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the irgc, who have played a central role in directing Iran's military response ever since the war began. Still, Iranian state media appears to be turning his absence into a propaganda opportunity. Reports inside Iran have begun describing Mojtab Al Khamenei as a wounded leader, a narrative that frames him not as a man in hiding, but as a wartime survivor. In effect, the regime is attempting to cast the new supreme leader as a kind of wounded war hero. For now, the man who has just assumed one of the most consequential positions in the Middle east remains an unseen and unheard figure. And that, my friends, is the President's Daily brief for Thursday 12th March. Now, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the first tv.com I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back later today with the PDB afternoon bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool. It.
Host: Mike Baker (Former CIA Operations Officer)
Main Focus: Escalation in Iran-Israel conflict with Iran's use of cluster munitions, the global emergency oil release, impact on US troops, and an update on Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
Mike Baker delivers an urgent, information-rich update on the Iran-Israel conflict, highlighting Iran's introduction of cluster munitions, the largest-ever emergency oil release by the International Energy Agency, casualties among US troops, and intrigue surrounding Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Baker contextualizes why these developments matter to Americans—offering both expert analysis and on-the-ground factual updates.
Timestamps: 01:00–06:45
Iran’s Evolving Tactics:
Iran is now launching ballistic missiles with cluster warheads (“cluster bombs”), as confirmed by Israeli authorities. These weapons disperse many smaller bombs (bomblets) over a wide area, making them both harder to intercept and more threatening to civilians.
"Instead of one missile striking a single target, these weapons disperse multiple bombs over large sections of ground." – Mike Baker (02:30)
Humanitarian Concerns:
Over 120 countries have banned cluster munitions due to their unpredictability and risk to civilians. Undetonated bomblets often remain, posing hazard for years.
"Some fail to detonate on impact, effectively becoming hidden landmines that could injure or kill civilians long after the strike itself." – Mike Baker (03:30)
Historical Context:
Baker references the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, Southeast Asia, and Ukraine as examples where cluster munitions created long-term dangers.
Military Utility (or Lack Thereof):
Their area-effect makes them inefficient against hardened military targets but effective in spreading psychological and civilian trauma.
"Their usefulness against military targets is extremely limited...their effects tend to fall most heavily on populated areas." – Mike Baker (05:10)
Timestamps: 06:45–08:05
Changing Battlefield Dynamics:
Iran is reportedly conducting more synchronized strikes with Hezbollah, aiming to overwhelm Israel’s multilayered missile defenses with simultaneous threats from multiple directions.
"Analysts say the strategy may be intended to overwhelm Israel's already heavily engaged air defense systems by forcing them to track and intercept threats arriving simultaneously from different fronts." – Mike Baker (07:30)
Implication:
If sustained, this approach further endangers civilian areas and tests Israel’s defenses beyond military infrastructure protection.
Timestamps: 09:00–12:40
IEA’s Record Action:
The International Energy Agency is releasing 400 million barrels of emergency crude—the largest reserve release in history—to mitigate market shocks from the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and to stabilize gasoline prices globally.
Background:
Iran’s attacks (missiles, drones, possible naval mines) have nearly halted tanker traffic through Hormuz, severely disrupting global oil supplies.
"That's the backdrop for the unanimous decision by the IEA's member countries." – Mike Baker (10:30)
Scale of Supply Loss:
With the strait blocked, 15 million barrels of crude and 5 million barrels of products per day can't reach markets. The IEA's release covers only about 26 days of supply interruptions, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis.
Price Volatility:
Oil prices have fluctuated wildly—Brent crude peaked near $120 before falling to $91; US gasoline has risen 60 cents/gallon since hostilities began.
China-Iran Angle:
Despite the blockade, Iran continues shipping oil (12 million barrels) exclusively to China, bypassing Western sanctions.
Timestamps: 12:41–14:49
Emerging Details:
Reuters reports up to 150 US troops have been wounded in Iranian retaliatory attacks during the war’s first 10 days, contrasting sharply with the Pentagon’s prior numbers.
Injury Severity:
Pentagon clarifies most injuries are minor, with 108 troops returned to duty; 8 remain seriously injured. There’s no confirmation yet on whether traumatic brain injuries are among the more severe wounds.
"According to chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, most of those injuries were relatively minor...the eight troops previously identified as seriously injured are receiving what officials described as the highest level of medical care." – Mike Baker (13:41)
Operational Impact:
US strikes have reportedly diminished Iran’s capacity to sustain attacks, with American military planners holding confidence in their assessment of Iranian forces’ capability.
"General Dan Kaine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Iranian forces are resisting but have not proven stronger than American military planners anticipated." – Mike Baker (14:27)
Timestamps: 17:55–End
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Whereabouts:
Iran’s new Supreme Leader has not made any public appearance since succeeding his father, killed in a strike at war’s onset. Official statements cite injuries (legs and hand) from the same attack; Khamenei is said to be recovering in a secure location.
Leadership Vacuum Speculation:
Baker points out that in ordinary times, there would be public ceremonies, but the new leader’s absence has fueled doubts about who is in true control—potentially the IRGC.
"The silence has only fueled speculation that the real power inside Tehran may currently rest with other figures, particularly the powerful commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps." – Mike Baker (19:10)
Propaganda Spin:
Iranian media are casting Khamenei as a wartime survivor and ‘wounded hero’, shifting his invisibility into a narrative of resilience.
On Cluster Munitions:
"Instead of one missile striking a single target, these weapons disperse multiple bombs over large sections of ground."
— Mike Baker (02:30)
On Civilian Risk:
"The real damage these weapons inflict is often measured not in destroyed military targets, but in civilian casualties and psychological pressure."
— Mike Baker (05:22)
On Oil Market Turmoil:
"Even a release this large may only be buying a relatively short reprieve."
— Mike Baker (11:55)
On Iran’s Leadership Uncertainty:
"The silence has only fueled speculation that the real power inside Tehran may currently rest with other figures, particularly the powerful commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps."
— Mike Baker (19:09)
| Time | Segment/Key Event | |----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Iran’s use of cluster munitions in missiles | | 06:45 | Iran–Hezbollah strategic coordination | | 09:00 | IEA’s emergency oil release context and numbers | | 12:41 | Reported US troop casualties in conflict | | 17:55 | Back of the Brief: Iran’s absent Supreme Leader |
Expert Breakdown of Cluster Munitions’ Legacy
Baker’s clear explanation of why cluster munitions are controversial and dangerous, including their tendency to become de facto landmines, provided historical resonance and underscored humanitarian stakes.
Real-time Oil Market Calculation
The quick math on how the IEA’s massive release covers only 26 days’ worth of lost supply put the precarious state of energy security into perspective.
Leadership Mystery in Tehran
The analysis of Khamenei's absence and its regime ramifications gave listeners a rare window into high-level power dynamics during wartime.
For comments, contact: pdb@thefirsttv.com
Host closing advice: "Stay informed, stay safe, stay cool."