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The President's Daily Brief
March 2nd, 2026: Jets Flying Over Tehran Unchallenged & Global Leaders React
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It's Monday, the 2nd of March. Well, welcome to a brand new month. And 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, just days into Operation Epic Fury, Israel says it controls Iran's airspace and is now operating with impunity over Iran. I'll have the latest details later in the show. The world reacts to the conflict from the United nations to Brussels, from Moscow to Beijing, global leaders are weighing in. Plus, while the war rages on, the FBI secures the home front. Director Cash Patel orders counterterrorism teams into a heightened posture as intelligence officials watch for signs of asymmetric retaliation from the Iranian regime. And in today's back of the Brief, a mass shooting in Austin, Texas, leaves three dead and over a dozen injured. We'll bring you the latest on what's known about that attack. But first, today's PDB Spotlight. We are now at day three of Operation Epic Fury, the joint US Israeli military campaign that began early Saturday morning Tehran time. And the scale of what has unfolded over the past 72 hours is definitely worth reviewing. According to reports, Israel and the US have struck roughly 2,000 targets across Iran since the start of the operation. The Israeli air force alone has flown more than 700 sorties and fired thousands of munitions. U.S. central Command says its forces have targeted Iranian integrated air defense systems, naval vessels and submarines, anti ship missile sites, underground missile infrastructure and military communications centers. Israeli officials say dozens of command centers tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including IRGC headquarters, intelligence facilities, air force command hubs and internal security structures have been hit, along with ballistic missile arrays and aerial defense systems. Perhaps the most consequential development so far is Israel's assertion that it has achieved aerial superiority within 24 hours of the operation's start. Now, according to reporting from the Times of Israel, Israeli fighter jets are now employing what are known as stand in munitions over Tehran, bombs dropped directly over their targets rather than launched from long range standoff distances. In practical terms, that means Iran's ability to defend the airspace over its own capital has been severely compromised. Air defenses that once deterred direct overflight are no longer doing their job. Achieving air superiority that quickly suggests one of two things. Either Iran's integrated air defense network was weaker than many analysts believed, or it was systematically compromised in advance of open hostilities, likely still degraded from Israel's air campaign back in 2025. In either case, control of the skies allows Israeli and US Forces to dictate tempo choose targets with greater flexibility and apply sustained pressure on critical infrastructure. At the same time, Iran's most potent conventional tools, ballistic missiles and armed drones do remain in play. The Israeli military says roughly half of Iran's ballistic missile launchers have been destroyed, though over the past 48 hours, with hundreds of missiles dismantled and around 200 launchers either eliminated or rendered inoperable. In addition, Iran's central explosives production site, used to create material for missiles and drones, has reportedly been dismantled, and four key mixing facilities required for the manufacturing process have been struck. Now, targeting explosives and missile fuel and engine manufacturing facilities suggests the campaign is not solely focused on suppressing current salvos but on degrading Iran's capacity to regenerate missile stockpiles over the longer term. Even so, missiles and drones do continue to rain down on Israel and on Gulf nations that host U.S. bases. We've already seen three American service members killed and five seriously wounded in the conflict. Beyond the air and missile exchanges, another front is now drawing attention, and that would be the Strait of Hormuz. That's the narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply transits. It's long been one of Tehran's preferred leverage points. According to reporting from the Wall Street Journal, three commercial vessels were attacked in or near the strait on Sunday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations that's an outfit that monitors the waterway, said one ship caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile northw of the uae. Though the fire was extinguished, another vessel was attacked near Oman, forcing its crew to evacuate. And earlier in the day, four sailors were wounded in an attack on a US Sanctioned oil tanker. The IRGC later claimed responsibility for the three attacks. Now the strait is not fully closed, but traffic has thinned and several operators have announced that they will avoid passage there for now, even without a formal blockade. Constricted shipping lanes introduce volatility, of course, into global energy markets and increase the risk of direct naval confrontation. If Iran can't contest the skies effectively, it may seek to apply pressure through maritime harassment and economic disruption. Overlaying all of this is the political realities in Tehran. With the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei now confirmed and succession plans announced, Iran's leadership has moved to project defiance and continuity. Officials have outlined interim operating structures and a process for transition. However, the regime's senior leadership corps has been severely hit, and the question of who is actually directing Iran's military response and how centralized that command remains, well, that's not yet fully clear. We do know that some elements of Iran's military are no longer operating under a tightly controlled, centralized structure. As we reported yesterday in the PDB special bulletin, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi acknowledged that many of the regime's missile units are acting on previously issued general instructions, then striking predetermined targets rather than receiving real time direction from a unified command. The questions that loom over this conflict, though, even at this early stage, include just how resilient is the current regiment and how will the Iranian people respond? Will they view the death of Khamenei and the numerous senior leaders as their opportunity to rise up and successfully remove the repressive government of the mullahs and the irgc? Or will the dust settle and the Iranian population simply find that the regime's deck chairs have been reshuffled and the clerics and IRGC still remain in control? All right, coming up next, global leaders react to Operation Epic Fury, while back in the U.S. the FBI moves counterterrorism teams to high alert amid concerns of asymmetric retaliation. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. Now, whether you're in a one or two income household, if you're a breadwinner, you're carrying a lot of responsibility. You know that. Mortgage payments, tuition, everyday bills that don't just disappear should something happen to you or your partner. Now, thinking about it, thinking about what ifs in life, right? It can be overwhelming. But I'm here to tell you that taking steps to protect your family financially is now a lot easier than it used to be. It's why I recommend Ethos life insurance. Right? It's fast, it's easy, and it's 100% online. 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Welcome Back to the pdb we've been tracking Operation Epic Fury itself. But now I want to turn to the international response to the conflict. As governments react cautiously, unevenly, and in some cases very predictably, the reactions are telling. While many capitals urge calm, the deeper divide centers on how to deal with a regime in crisis that has long pushed the limits of international tolerance. For some leaders, the greater risk here is escalation. But for others, the deeper concern has been what would have happened if Tehran's nuclear program continued advancing unchecked. So let's start with the un. Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned what he described as the, quote, use of force by the United States and Israel as well as Iran's retaliation. He warned that the confrontation risks undermining international peace and security, really? And called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Well, at least the UN is, is always consistent in its fecklessness. It's worth noting that the Security Council convened an emergency session over the weekend which remains ongoing at this time. You know what's also wor noting is that when talking about just how milquetoast the UN is, Russia, despite its four year invasion of Ukraine, remains a permanent member of that UN Security Council. That posture is consistent with the UN's institutional reflex, prioritized restraint, the emphasis of international law, and the tendency to draw moral equivalency between players, whether involving the Iranian regime or Hamas or even Venezuela as recent examples. But what's largely absent from that framing is sustained focus on the underlying issue that Washington says drove the strikes. Iran's accelerating nuclear ambitions and reluctance to make a nuclear deal. And of course, the UN's inability to fully monitor any past or potential future deals. Now I want to shift to Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the developments of Operation Epic Fury, quote, greatly concerning. There's taking a stand stressing nuclear safety and the importance of preventing further escalation that would weaken the global non proliferation order. That statement all by itself is impressive in its use of words without saying anything meaningful. Among the major Western governments, the language becomes more calibrated, if that's even possible. France, Germany and the UK, otherwise known as the E3, reiterated that they've long pressed Iran to end its nuclear program, halt destabilizing regional activity and stop what they described as appalling repression against its own people. Yeah, I would say slaughtering thousands of your own citizens. The definition of appalling probably holds there. They condemned the Mullah's retaliatory attacks in the strongest terms and warn Tehran against indiscriminate military action. But Spain, while this is interesting, took a different tact. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejected what he called, quote, unilateral military action, arguing that it contributes to a more unstable international order and urging an immediate return to diplomacy. Canada, however, they aligned more directly with Washington. Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government supports the US quote, acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, calling the Islamic Republic the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East. Well, I can't see any lies in that statement. He also made clear that Ottawa believes Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear arms. Now, it's worth pointing out that one of the strongest endorsements of the U.S. and Israeli strikes came from Kyiv. In a video address, President Zelensky said it was important that the US Was acting decisively. He linked Iran's leadership directly to Russia's war effort, noting that Moscow's forces have launched more than 57,000 Iranian designed Shahed drones against Ukrainian targets. In his framing, Iran is an active accomplice in the Kremlin's aggression. Again, I can't spot the lie in that statement. And then there are the statements and posturing from America's adversaries. And their reactions, as you would expect, are predictable without any sense of irony. Russia condemned the strikes as a, quote, pre planned and unprovoked act of aggression, accusing Washington and Jerusalem of exaggerating the nuclear threat to justify regime change. Moscow warned of the risk of, quote, uncontrolled escalation across the Middle East. Their lack of self awareness and their lack of any sense of irony is always stunning. And China, which has grown to be a steady economic and strategic partner of Iran, expressed, quote, high concern and emphasized that Tehran's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. Beijing later called for an immediate halt to US military operations. Now, as I mentioned, neither statement is surprising. Both Moscow and Beijing maintain deep ties with the Iranian regime and consistently oppose Western pressure aimed at curbing the Mullah's nuclear program. Of course, both nations were silent over the Iranian regime's murdering of thousands of their own citizens. Apparently, both Putin and Xi Jinping felt a certain kinship with the brutal suppression of dissent and opposition. And then you look at the Middle east itself where the stakes are most immediate. Oman's Foreign minister, who as our regular PDB listeners know, has been mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, said he was, quote, dismayed by the attacks. He warned that the further escalation would not serve American interests and cautioned Washington that, quote, this is not your war well, of course, someone should remind the foreign Minister of Oman of the thousands of US Personnel killed and wounded over the years by Iranian supported factions and IEDs. Lebanon's Prime Minister described the moment as involving dangerous developments and stressed that his country would not allow itself to be dragged into a conflict that threatens its security. But taken together, the reactions reveal a fractured international response. It's a mixed bag of reactions, some cautious, some critical, some supportive. Okay, now I want to shift focus to the US where the ripple effects of American military action against Iran are already being felt inside the homeland Security apparatus. With the FBI shifting its counterterrorism teams into a heightened defensive posture now it's important to understand what the preparation actually looks like on the ground. FBI Director Cash Patel said that he instructed the bureau to place its intelligence divisions on high alert and mobilize additional security assets as needed. He added that nationwide joint Terrorism task forces are operating around the clock to detect and disrupt any potential threats to the country. In other words, while the Pentagon is focused on protecting US Personnel overseas, the FBI, of course, is focused on the home front. Director Patel emphasized that the bureau remains responsible for deterring attacks and will continue working 247 to protect Americans. So you may be asking, what does high alert actually mean in practice? Well, according to a law enforcement source who spoke with Fox News, it typically involves increasing surveillance of priority suspects, heightened use of confidential sources, and reviewing technical intelligence collection streams for early warning indicators. What that means is that this is about leaning forward, essentially identifying risks before they materialize. The move follows ongoing American strikes on Iranian targets as tensions escalate, of course, across the Middle East. Inside the intelligence community, there is a long standing understanding that Tehran rarely responds to the US Military pressure through direct confrontation. Instead, the regime has typically turned to its proxy networks and to asymmetric tactics. Iran has historically relied on groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas linked external networks, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps backed militias to apply pressure indirectly. This way, it allows the regime to retaliate without engaging US Forces head on. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X that she is coordinating directly with federal intelligence and law enforcement partners to monitor and counter potential threats. Other agencies are adjusting in parallel. The Secret Service said it's actively monitoring developments and coordinating with federal and local partners, noting that the public may see an increased law enforcement presence around protected sites and in the nation's capital. In Washington, D.C. the Metropolitan Police Department said it's closely tracking events and coordinating with those federal agencies. For now, federal officials emphasize that there are no known threats to the homeland okay. Coming up next in the back of the brief, as federal officials brace for asymmetric retaliation, a deadly mass shooting in Austin is now being examined for a potential terrorism nexus that may be connected to the fighting overseas. More on that when we come back. Hey, Mike Baker here. 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The number 866-885-1881. Again, that's 866-885-1881 or just visit american financing.net PDB Hey, Mike Baker here. Let me take just a moment of your time to talk about security, specifically your online security and to tell you about Deleteme. It is a great company out there working hard to make people safer online. Now, Deleteme makes it easy, quick and safe to rem data online at a time when surveillance and data breaches are common enough to make everyone vulnerable. Look, it's easier than ever to find personal information about people online. You know that. But having your address, your phone number, your family members information, just hanging out on the Internet can have actual consequences in the real world and can make you vulnerable to all sorts of scams. If you're like me, privacy and protecting your online presence is important. We all want to stay protected, right? From identity theft or harassment or doxing. And you can do that with the help of Delete Me, take control of your data and keep your private life private. By signing up for Delete Me now at a special discount for PDB listeners, you can get 20 off your Delete Me plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com PDB and use the promo code PDB at checkout. Again, to get 20 off, go to JoinDeleteMe.com PDB and enter code PDB at checkout. One more time, that's JoinDeleteMe.com PDB code PDB 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 in today's Back of the Brief A deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas is now under investigation as a possible act of terrorism. Coming just 24 hours after the US began strikes against Iran. The attack unfolded around 2am Sunday at a bar called Buford's Backyard Beer garden on West 6th Street. That's a busy nightlife corridor near the University of Texas campus. Authorities say the suspect drove a large SUV around the block several times before opening fire from inside the vehicle with a pistol, striking patrons on the patio and along the street. He then parked, exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and continued shooting at pedestrians before being confronted and fatally shot by police. Three people were killed, 14 others were injured, several critically. The suspect is also dead. The gunman has been identified as 53 year old Njaga John, a naturalized U S citizen originally from Senegal. Now, photos circulating from the scene show him wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the words Property of Allah across the chest. That could be a clue. Law enforcement say a Quran was recovered from his vehicle, possibly another clue, and investigators are examining additional materials that could point to ideological motivation. You think the FBI is now working alongside Austin police? At a press conference, acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Duran said it's too early to determine the exact motive. Well, that is true, but noted there are indicators suggesting a potential nexus to terrorism. The shooting came not long after the launch of Operation Epic Fury. While there's no evidence at this time that the Austin attack was directed by any foreign government, federal officials have long warned that heightened tensions abroad can increase the risk of inspired or lone wolf or retaliatory attacks at home. For now, what we know is this. A heavily armed individual targeted civilians in a crowded public space, displayed overt religious messaging and struck during a period of elevated geopolitical tension. Again, there could be a clue possibly hidden in there somewhere. Investigators are now combing through digital evidence, including the shooter's online activity and communications, to determine motive. And that, my friends, is the President's Daily brief for Monday 2nd March. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me@pdbhefirsttv.com and I hope you were able to catch our PDB special bulletins which we put out over the weekend in response to the fast breaking events in the Middle East. Also, hopefully you had the time to catch our extended weekend show. That's the PDB Situation Report. Our guests this weekend included the former Director of the UK's intelligence service MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, along with weapons analyst Ryan Macbeth. Now, Ryan proved to be rather prescient in predicting on our show that military action against Iran would kick off Friday night, early Saturday morning Tehran time. You can catch it and past episodes on our YouTube channel at President's Daily Brief and and of course on podcast platforms everywhere. I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back later today with the BDB afternoon bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.