May 20th, 2025: Putin Signals ‘Compromise’ After Trump Call & A Cartel Ambush In Mexico

Summary

Summary of "May 20th, 2025: Putin Signals ‘Compromise’ After Trump Call & A Cartel Ambush In Mexico"

Podcast: The President's Daily Brief
Host: Mike Baker
Release Date: May 20, 2025

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, several critical international developments are discussed. The primary topics include the latest diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, a violent cartel ambush in Mexico, escalating tensions with Iran, and a controversial military aid package from Australia to Ukraine. The following sections provide a detailed overview of each topic, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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Diplomatic Efforts to End the War in Ukraine

The episode begins with an update on the ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump engaged in a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, signaling a potential shift towards peace talks.

Key Points:

• Trump's Initiative: President Trump announced on Truth Social, "I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and more importantly, an end to the war" (03:11).
• Kremlin's Response: Putin expressed willingness to discuss compromises, stating, "Russia and Ukraine must find compromises that suit both sides" (05:25).
• European Leaders' Stance: European leaders are urging Russia to agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire to facilitate substantive negotiations. However, Putin has insisted that Ukraine must concede to a series of demands before any ceasefire.

Challenges:

• Lack of Progress: Despite the positive tones from both Trump and Putin, substantial progress towards peace remains elusive. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized skepticism, saying, "One open question is whether Vladimir Putin is serious about negotiating peace" (05:12).
• Sanctions as Leverage: European leaders have recommended imposing fresh sanctions on Russia to pressure the Kremlin into taking negotiations more seriously. President Trump indicated openness to this, albeit cautiously: "We're keeping the economic powder dry" (04:54).

Potential Mediators:

• Involvement of the Vatican: Trump suggested that the Vatican, now led by the first American Pope, could play a mediating role, mentioning, "The Vatican has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations" (03:30).
• Desired High-Level Meetings: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a high-level meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, the US, Britain, and EU countries, potentially hosted by neutral parties like Turkey or Switzerland (03:42).

Deadly Cartel Ambush in Mexico

The podcast shifts focus to a tragic incident in Guadalajara, Mexico, where a suspected cartel ambush resulted in the deaths of two security experts.

Incident Details:

• Victims: Cesar Guzman, a longtime counter-narcotics trainer, and Carlos Amador, the former Undersecretary of Security for Hidalgo State, were killed while dining at a restaurant (09:04). A third security consultant was critically wounded.
• Nature of the Attack: The ambush is characterized by its precision, targeting individuals with ties to the U.S. State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INLLEA) (09:31).
• Local Cartel Activity: The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, designated as a terrorist group by the US under the Trump administration, is believed to be responsible. This incident follows a series of recent violent acts in Jalisco, including the assassination of a mayoral candidate and the killing of a social media influencer (11:19).

Repercussions:

• Impact on Counter-Narcotics Efforts: Retired FBI agent Arturo Fontes described the victims as "true heroes and some of the bravest individuals I've ever known" (10:27), highlighting the severe blow to Mexico's fight against drug cartels.
• Official Response: The U.S. consulate in Guadalajara issued a statement expressing deep concern and condolences, emphasizing the gravity of the attack (11:04).

Fresh Threats from the Iranian Regime

The episode also delves into heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following President Trump's recent tour of the Gulf states.

Khamenei's Aggressive Stance:

• Public Statements: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched a vehement attack against President Trump and called for the destruction of Israel, labeling Trump's peace pledges as "a source of shame for the American nation" (12:12, 12:21).
• Broader Criticism: Khamenei extended his tirade to Sunni Arab states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, accusing them of being "little more than Western client states propped up by American muscle" and predicting the collapse of these alliances (13:16).

Nuclear Negotiations:

• Stalemate Over Enrichment: Nuclear talks between the US and Iran remain stalled, primarily over uranium enrichment. President Trump has demanded Iran's complete cessation of enrichment activities, a condition Iran rejects.
• US Hardline Position: Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated, "We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability. That red line is non-negotiable" (14:03).
• Iran's Stance: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchee indicated that while a deal is possible, it "will continue to [pursue enrichment] with or without a deal" (14:58).

Regional Security Concerns:

• Israel's Resolve: Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed that Iran will never be allowed to reacquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing preparedness to act unilaterally if necessary (15:32).

U.S.-Australia Diplomatic Friction Over Military Aid to Ukraine

In the final major segment, the podcast addresses a rare diplomatic rift between the United States and Australia regarding military support for Ukraine.

Australia's Military Aid Package:

• Abrams Tanks Shipment: Australia has begun shipping nearly 50 decommissioned M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite reservations from U.S. defense officials (16:07).
• Historical Context: Last October, Australia pledged to send these tanks as part of a broader military aid package. However, the transfer required Pentagon approval, which was initially reluctant due to concerns over the tanks' effectiveness in modern warfare.

U.S. Concerns:

• Practicality Issues: U.S. officials argue that the older Abrams models are vulnerable in drone-centric combat environments. An anonymous defense official mentioned, "We're starting to doubt if the Ukrainians actually want these vehicles. The tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams and this is a drone war" (20:00).
• Symbolic Gesture vs. Tactical Support: There is skepticism about whether the tanks will provide any real advantage on the battlefield or merely serve as a symbolic show of support.

Ukraine's Use of Abrams Tanks:

• Previous Deployments: Ukraine received 31 Abrams tanks from the Biden administration in late 2023. However, reports emerged in April 2024 that Ukrainian forces were withdrawing these tanks due to their susceptibility to drone attacks (21:31).

Current Status:

• Shipment Underway: Despite doubts, the tanks are now en route to Ukraine, with their exact arrival date withheld for security reasons (22:00).
• U.S. Alternative Recommendations: U.S. officials suggest that Australia explore more effective means of supporting Ukraine rather than sending outdated and potentially ineffective equipment (21:10).

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Conclusion

This episode of The President's Daily Brief provides a comprehensive overview of significant geopolitical developments affecting global stability:

• Ukraine-Russia Negotiations: While diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Trump and Putin show potential, substantial progress remains uncertain amidst ongoing regional tensions and demands.

• Violence in Mexico: The targeted assassination of U.S.-affiliated security consultants underscores the persistent and escalating threat posed by powerful cartels in Mexico.

• U.S.-Iran Relations: Escalating rhetoric and stalled nuclear negotiations indicate deepening divisions and heightened risks of regional conflict.

• U.S.-Australia Relations: The shipment of outdated Abrams tanks to Ukraine despite U.S. objections highlights complexities in allied military support and strategic decision-making.

Mike Baker ensures listeners are well-informed on these pressing issues, providing critical insights into the factors shaping America's most urgent challenges.

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Note: All timestamps correspond to the positions within the provided transcript and are indicated in MM:SS format.

Transcript

[Mike Slater]

My name is Mike Slater. I have a podcast called Politics by Faith. I was just talking to a friend of mine who said he hasn't been able to follow the news lately. It's been too much. It's too crazy. It's driving him crazy and he's just checked out. If you feel that way sometimes, too, I think you'll really like our podcast Politics by Faith. We take the main story of the day and we run it through the Bible. What does the Bible say about this? It's amazing, but it's all there. And then God tells us what to do. We don't even have to figure it out. The answers are right there. He gives us the answers. Politics by Faith. Please join us over there. You can listen to it wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. Politics by faith.

[Unknown Host]

It's Tuesday, the 20th of May. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief.

[Mike Baker]

I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears.

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On the world stage.

[Mike Baker]

All right, let's get briefed.

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We'll start things off today with an update on diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. President Trump says Russia and Ukraine will.

[Mike Baker]

Begin, quote, immediate ceasefire talks after a.

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Two hour call with Vladimir Putin. With the Kremlin confirming that Putin is.

[Mike Baker]

Prepared to discuss, quote, compromises following the candid conversation will have those details later in the show. A deadly cartel ambush in Mexico. Two security experts, including a former U.S. state Department contractor, are gunned down while.

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Dining at a restaurant in Guadalajara.

[Mike Baker]

Plus, fresh threats from the Iranian regime.

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Oh, they're threatening again.

[Mike Baker]

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei blasts President Trump in.

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A fiery speech and calls for the.

[Mike Baker]

Destruction of Israel following Trump's visit to the region. And in today's Back of the Brief.

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Australia moves ahead with shipping nearly 50.

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Decommissioned Abrams tanks to Ukraine despite quiet.

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Objections from some in Washington.

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But first, today's BDB Spotlight. We'll begin with President Trump's latest push.

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To get momentum for a ceasefire between.

[Mike Baker]

Russia and Ukraine, despite what appears to be ongoing efforts by the Kremlin to.

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Undermine efforts to end the war.

[Mike Baker]

Trump held a roughly two hour long.

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Call on Monday with Russian President Putin.

[Mike Baker]

Which, as we discussed on yesterday's pdb.

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The president had hoped would yield a.

[Mike Baker]

Concrete path for a lasting ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv. But while the president and Putin put a positive spin on the call, describing it as frank and useful, it does not appear that any major progress was made towards securing a lasting peace. That's according to a report from Fox News. By the way, the words frank and.

[Unknown Host]

Useful oh, not to mention constructive while they're Washington speak for nothing of value was accomplished. Still, the conversation is keeping hopes alive.

[Mike Baker]

At least for some folks, that a diplomatic off ramp to the more than.

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Three year long war is still possible. Taking to Truth Social following the call, Trump said, I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations.

[Mike Baker]

Toward a ceasefire and more importantly, an.

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End to the war. He added, however, that, quote, the conditions for that will be negotiated between the.

[Mike Baker]

Two parties, as it can only be.

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Because they know details of a negotiation.

[Mike Baker]

That nobody else would be aware of, end quote. Trump said he immediately relayed the plans.

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For revived peace talks directly between Moscow.

[Mike Baker]

And Kyiv to Ukrainian President Zelensky, along.

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With leaders of the eu, France, Italy, Germany and Finland. Zelensky later said that he would pursue.

[Mike Baker]

A high level meeting among Ukraine, Russia, the US and Britain and EU countries, perhaps hosted by Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland. Though a timeline for peace talks was not immediately clear. In his post on Truth Social, Trump had also suggested that the Vatican, now under the leadership of the first American Pope, could play a role in mediating the discussions. Trump said, quote, the Vatican has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations.

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Let the process begin.

[Mike Baker]

But Putin once again appears to be complicating these efforts. Well, that's shocking.

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As our regular listeners know, European leaders.

[Mike Baker]

In Ukraine have been demanding that Russia.

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Agree to an immediate 30 day ceasefire.

[Mike Baker]

Which would allow time for more substantive negotiations to begin. But Putin has consistently rebuffed those calls, insisting that Ukraine agree to its rather lengthy list of concessions before any break in battlefield hostilities. European leaders have encouraged Trump to impose fresh sanctions on the Putin regime in order to pressure the Kremlin into taking negotiations more seriously. The President suggested last Friday that he.

[Unknown Host]

Is open to using sanctions as leverage.

[Mike Baker]

On Putin if needed, but for now.

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He'S keeping the economic powder dry.

[Mike Baker]

Vice President J.D. vance, meanwhile, reiterated Monday that the U.S. may walk away from the peace process entirely if talks don't progress, saying the, quote, one open question is whether Vladimir.

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Putin is serious about negotiating peace, end quote.

[Mike Baker]

I'm sorry for sounding churlish, but how exactly is that still an open question? So how did Putin react to the call?

[Unknown Host]

Well, the Russian strongman told reporters that.

[Mike Baker]

Quote, a ceasefire with Ukraine is possible.

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And that, quote, Russia and Ukraine must.

[Mike Baker]

Find compromises that suit both sides. Looks like Vladimir just snagged today's PDB.

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Statement of the obvious award. I'm sure he'll be disappointed, though, to learn that the award doesn't come with.

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Any territory, but for now, Instead of a ceasefire, Putin said Russia is, quote.

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Ready to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum. Oh, good. A memo on a possible future peace accord which would define the principles of.

[Mike Baker]

Settlement and the timing of a possible peace agreement. He added that, quote, the main thing for us is to eliminate, oh, the.

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Root causes of this crisis. There's that phrase again. Now, the mention of root causes is.

[Mike Baker]

Telling as it's a phrase commonly used by the Kremlin to place blame on Kyiv for the war, which of course.

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Started when Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

[Mike Baker]

The Trump Putin call comes on the heels of the failed effort to have.

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A face to face meeting between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey last Thursday.

[Mike Baker]

Now, Putin, of course, kept the world.

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Guessing about his attendance there at that.

[Mike Baker]

Meeting for days before ultimately opting as a no show, instead sending a junior level delegation in what was viewed as.

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A major snub to both Kiev and Washington.

[Mike Baker]

Russia's delegation stuck to Putin's maximalist demands, calling for Ukraine to end their pursuit of NATO membership, officially cede Crimea and.

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Four occupied regions in eastern Ukraine to.

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Russia and withdraw their military from the front lines. Moscow also continues to demand a halt.

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To all Western military aid to Kiev as a condition for a ceasefire. Now, given that most of these terms.

[Mike Baker]

Remain as non starters for leaders in Kiev, Putin's claim on Monday that Russia is willing to compromise, well, it rings a little hollow or a lot hollow.

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Maybe even fully hollow. In the meantime, the bloodshed on the.

[Mike Baker]

Battlefields of Ukraine will continue. All right, coming up after the break, a cartel linked ambush leaves two security consultants dead in Mexico. And Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei issues fresh threats.

[Unknown Host]

Following Trump's Middle east visit. Somebody needs anger management classes.

[Mike Baker]

I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here.

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[Mike Baker]

Now, as BRICS nations push forward with their plans, demand for US Dollars could.

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Decrease, obviously bringing down the value of the dollar.

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While this transition won't happen overnight, the.

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Welcome back to the PDB.

[Mike Baker]

Mexico's bloody cartel violence once again took.

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Aim at law enforcement, this time claiming.

[Mike Baker]

The life of a security consultant with ties to the U.S. state Department in what officials are calling a suspected cartel ambush in Guadalajara. Cesar Guzman, a long time counter narcotics trainer, was gunned down Friday night while dining at a restaurant in the Jalisco capital. He had just wrapped up a security.

[Unknown Host]

And intelligence training session for state police.

[Mike Baker]

Alongside two fellow instructors when unidentified gunman.

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Stormed in and opened fire before fleeing the scene by car.

[Mike Baker]

Yeah, I would say that does happen. Have the all the earmarks of a cartel ambush. Also killed was Carlos Amador, the former.

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Undersecretary of security for Hidalgo State.

[Mike Baker]

A third man, the former public security secretary in Chihuahua was critically wounded.

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Six people in total were hit by gunfire, including bystanders.

[Mike Baker]

It was, as I said, an attack.

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With all the markings of a targeted hit. All three men had conducted counter drug and intelligence training for the State Department's.

[Mike Baker]

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. That's part of a long standing U.S.

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Mexico partnership aimed at cracking down on the cartels.

[Mike Baker]

Guzman's resume also included work with Interpol, Mexico's attorney General's office, and the Jalisco State Police. According to retired FBI agent Arturo Fontes.

[Unknown Host]

The group had spent the past two.

[Mike Baker]

Years delivering high level instruction to Mexican.

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Officers in Mexico city.

[Mike Baker]

In a LinkedIn post, Fontes, who once worked alongside the victims, called them, quote, true heroes and some of the bravest individuals I've ever known. He described the ambush as a gut punch to those on the front lines.

[Unknown Host]

Of Mexico's drug war. So far, there's no official word on.

[Mike Baker]

Motive, but the location alone sends a message.

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The restaurant sits in a district controlled.

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By the cartel Jalisco New Generation, one.

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Of Mexico's deadliest and most brazen criminal.

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Organizations, now designated by the US Government.

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As a terrorist group under the Trump administration.

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The U.S. consulate in Guadalajara confirmed the.

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Men were not employed by the diplomatic.

[Mike Baker]

Mission at the time, but issued a statement expressing condolences saying, quote, we are.

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Deeply concerned about any act of violence.

[Mike Baker]

And express our condolences to the victims and their families. This latest killing fits a grim pattern.

[Unknown Host]

In Jalisco, where violence has spiked recently. Just last week, a Mexican social media.

[Mike Baker]

Influencer was gunned down during a live stream. In April, a mayoral candidate was shot.

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Dead while eating at a restaurant. Days later, a mother searching for her missing relatives was murdered alongside her son.

[Mike Baker]

And earlier that same month, the state's municipal police chief was assassinated. With no arrests announced and little public detail from Mexican authorities, the investigation into.

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Friday's ambush remains ongoing.

[Mike Baker]

Okay, shifting to the Iranian regime.

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Hours after President Trump concluded his historic.

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Gulf state tour, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali.

[Unknown Host]

Khamenei unleashed an angry tirade.

[Mike Baker]

Is there any other kind of tirade other than angry? Accusing the president of deceit and calling for Israel's destruction? Well, there's a surprise. In a post to X, the cleric.

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Dismissed Trump's pledge to use American power.

[Mike Baker]

For peace as a lie, calling the president's remarks in the Gulf a, quote.

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Source of shame for the American nation.

[Mike Baker]

He didn't stop there. Khamenei labeled Israel a, quote, cancerous tumor that, in his words, must be uprooted. The Trump administration, for its part, did not hesitate to reiterate that Iran remains.

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The world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism.

[Mike Baker]

And anti Semitism, arming and funding proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. During his visit to Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, Trump was unflinching in his indictment of the Islamic regime, telling Gulf leaders, quote, the biggest and most destructive of these forces is the regime in Iran, adding that Tehran, quote, has caused.

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Unthinkable suffering in the region.

[Mike Baker]

But Khamenei's fury wasn't just reserved for the US And Israel. Well, I mean, he does actually have.

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Gobs of fury, so he's spreading it around.

[Mike Baker]

He also lashed out at Sunni Arab.

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States aligned with Washington, mainly Saudi Arabia.

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And Qatar, and accusing them of being little more than Western client states propped.

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Up by American muscle.

[Mike Baker]

Khamenei warned, quote, the U.S. wants these countries unable to function without it, predicting.

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The alliance will soon collapse.

[Mike Baker]

Now this saber rattling comes as nuclear talks between Washington and the mullahs remain mired and stalemate, chiefly over the issue of uranium enrichment. President Trump has repeatedly insisted that any deal must include Iran's full abandonment of enrichment activities, an outcome that Iran's leadership continues to reject. On Monday, Iran's deputy foreign minister took to state media to deliver a curt assessment. Talks, quote, will lead nowhere if the.

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US sticks to its demand of zero enrichment.

[Mike Baker]

Special envoy Steve Witkoff echoed the administration's hardline in a Sunday interview with ABC News stating, quote, we cannot allow even.

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1% of an enrichment capability. That red line, he added, is non negotiable.

[Mike Baker]

As we've been tracking here on the PDB, Iran is enriching uranium to 60% purity, well beyond what's needed for civilian energy and dangerously close to weapons grade. The mullahs maintain that the program is peaceful. Of course, they've also just reissued their call to destroy Israel, which honestly doesn't seem like something that a peace loving regime would do. Western intelligence calls their claims laughable. In addition, Tehran has for years limited access to international inspectors, of course, fueling deeper suspicion in Washington and elsewhere. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchee struck a familiar pose. Open to diplomacy, but only on the Iranian regime's terms. He said, quote, if the US Is interested in ensuring that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, a deal is within reach, end quote.

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But he left no ambiguity on enrichment, stressing that the Islamic regime will continue to, quote, with or without a deal. Now, that posture might have flown earlier.

[Mike Baker]

This year when the Trump administration signaled.

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A potential willingness to allow limited enrichment under stringent conditions.

[Mike Baker]

But that flexibility has since vanished.

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Now Trump is warning of a possible military action if Tehran refuses to stand down. Israel is even more direct. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will never be allowed to reacquire nuclear weapons, full stop.

[Mike Baker]

Citing Tehran's repeated threats to wipe Israel off the map.

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Netanyahu warned that Jerusalem is prepared to act alone if needed.

[Mike Baker]

So where does that leave things?

[Unknown Host]

Trump's tour through the Gulf and Khamenei's blistering response have widened the rift, of.

[Mike Baker]

Course, between Washington and Tehran.

[Unknown Host]

And with neither side blinking on enrichment.

[Mike Baker]

Well, a breakthrough really doesn't seem all that likely. Okay, coming up next, in the back of the brief, Australia is sending US.

[Unknown Host]

Made tanks to Ukraine, whether Washington likes it or not.

[Mike Baker]

The first batch of 49 decommissioned Abrams is now en route.

[Unknown Host]

More on that when we come back.

[Mike Baker]

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[Mike Baker]

In today's Back of the Brief, we'll.

[Unknown Host]

Discuss a rare bit of diplomatic friction.

[Mike Baker]

Between the US And Australia centered around a controversial military aid package meant to.

[Unknown Host]

Bolster the battlefield capabilities of Ukrainian forces. On Monday, the Australian broadcasting corporation, or.

[Mike Baker]

ABC, reported that Australia has begun loading.

[Unknown Host]

Nearly 50 decommissioned Abrams tanks for shipment.

[Mike Baker]

To Ukraine, despite ongoing, albeit quiet, objections from U.S. officials. The confirmation came after a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Zelensky in Rome on Sunday, after.

[Unknown Host]

Which Zelenskyy said he welcomed the commitment.

[Mike Baker]

Of military support from the Land Down Under.

[Unknown Host]

On the surface, the situation seems innocuous.

[Mike Baker]

Enough, just another military package for Ukraine from an ally committed to helping the.

[Unknown Host]

Besieged nation defend itself from Putin's aggression. But this specific package has concerned U.S. defense officials who have questioned the usefulness.

[Mike Baker]

Of Abrams tanks on the Ukrainian battlefields.

[Unknown Host]

And whether Kyiv is even interested in using the retired tanks on their front lines.

[Mike Baker]

Notably, the U.S. objections precede the Trump administration. One U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously to ABC, said, quote, Last year, even before Trump returned as president, we warned the Australians that sending these Abrams tanks would be complicated, and once they finally get to the battlefield, the Ukrainians will find.

[Unknown Host]

Them difficult to sustain, end quote.

[Mike Baker]

For some background, originally, Australia pledged to send Kyiv 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks as part of a broader military aid package announced last October. But the shipments faced immediate delays as.

[Unknown Host]

The transfer of the U. S Made tanks to a third country.

[Mike Baker]

Required approval from the Pentagon, which was.

[Unknown Host]

Reluctant to greenlight the donation.

[Mike Baker]

While the US Ultimately relented and approved the arrangement, officials continue to express concerns.

[Unknown Host]

About the logistical difficulties of transferring Abrams.

[Mike Baker]

Tanks to Ukraine and the challenges of maintaining the dated equipment once they arrive.

[Unknown Host]

On the front lines.

[Mike Baker]

Essentially, US Officials feel there are better, more effective ways for the Australian government.

[Unknown Host]

To provide aid to the war torn country.

[Mike Baker]

The Australian government had already faced widespread criticism from Western allies over their refusal to donate their retired fleet of advanced.

[Unknown Host]

Taipan helicopters to Ukraine last year.

[Mike Baker]

U.S. officials argue the tanks amount more to a symbolic gesture of support rather than something that would actually give Ukraine.

[Unknown Host]

A practical edge on the battlefield. Ukraine had previously received 31 Abrams tanks.

[Mike Baker]

From the Biden administration back in late.

[Unknown Host]

2023, but their vulnerabilities quickly became clear.

[Mike Baker]

The tanks reportedly have a particularly weak roof, making them easier to destroy by drone attacks than other types of military vehicles. A report from AP in April 2024 said the Ukrainian forces were already pulling the tanks from the front lines due.

[Unknown Host]

To their easy detection by Russian drones.

[Mike Baker]

Although officials in Kyiv denied the reports at the time, the US Defense official told abc, quote, we're starting to doubt if the Ukrainians actually want these vehicles. The tank roof is the weakest point of the Abrams and this is a drone war, end quote.

[Unknown Host]

Whether or not they are an effective.

[Mike Baker]

Battlefield tool, the tanks have now begun their long sea journey to Ukraine.

[Unknown Host]

Their exact arrival date is of course being withheld for security reasons.

[Mike Baker]

And that my friends is the President's.

[Unknown Host]

Daily brief for Tuesday 20th May.

[Mike Baker]

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me@pdbthe first tv.com.

[Unknown Host]

And if you've got a hankering to.

[Mike Baker]

Listen to the show ad free, well.

[Unknown Host]

That is certainly possible.

[Mike Baker]

Just become a premium member of the President's Daily brief by visiting PDB premium.com.

[Unknown Host]

Finally, when you have a moment, and.

[Mike Baker]

I hope you get a moment, check.

[Unknown Host]

Out our YouTube channel. You can find that at President's Daily Brief.

[Mike Baker]

As YouTube channels go, it's a humdinger. I'm Mike Baker and I'll be back.

[Unknown Host]

Later today with the PDB afternoon bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.