The President's Daily Brief – Afternoon Bulletin

Episode Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Mike Baker (Former CIA Operations Officer)
Podcast: The First TV

Overview

This episode of the President's Daily Brief (PDB) delivers a brisk yet thorough briefing on two major news stories:

1. Newly obtained satellite imagery reveals Iran ramping up construction at a secret underground nuclear facility, dubbed "Pickaxe Mountain," in the wake of recent US-Israeli strikes.
2. Former FBI Director James Comey is indicted on charges of obstructing and lying to Congress, with reactions from key political figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran’s Secret Nuclear Facility at Pickaxe Mountain

[00:34–09:38]

Background

• Recent satellite images, analyzed by the Washington Post and nuclear experts, show Iran is urgently expanding a highly fortified underground site, known as ‘Pickaxe Mountain’.
  • Located in the Isfahan province, near the Natanz nuclear site.
  • Activity has increased sharply post-US airstrikes in June 2025.

Facility Details & Analysis

• The underground installation is now even deeper and more fortified than Iran’s Fordo complex:
  • Depth: 260-330 ft below surface—nearly double Fordo’s protection; the mountain above is also 50% taller, allowing for potentially larger underground spaces.
• Above ground: Spans about one square mile; has two main tunnel portals (east and west).
• Satellite images reveal (per the Post and experts):
  • A nearly completed security perimeter (4,000 ft wall on the west edge).
  • Reinforced tunnel entrances, especially one on the east side, newly covered to prevent collapse from airstrikes.
  • New roads and increased ‘spoil’ (excavated material) indicating continued tunneling.
• Heavy equipment and construction vehicles are visible, suggesting acceleration of work.

Strategic Implications

• The site’s initial stated purpose was to assemble nuclear centrifuges. However, its scale and secrecy imply it could:
  • Serve as a covert uranium enrichment facility.
  • Store or shield stockpiles of near-weapons-grade uranium.
• Notable quote from an analyst:
  “The fact they’re continuing to build this is significant.”
  (Unnamed analyst, cited by Mike Baker, 06:40)

International & US Response

• The IAEA has never inspected Pickaxe Mountain.
• US and Israeli bombing in June caused substantial setbacks, but Iran’s construction is “quietly accelerating”.
• White House stance: Downplays urgency, noting a recent IAEA report found Iran no longer has “an identifiable route to produce weapons grade uranium in its centrifuge plants.”
  (Mike Baker, 08:10)
• President Trump (per a White House official) is monitoring the site and prepared “to strike again” if needed.

Ongoing Concerns

• Iran’s estimated 900+ pounds of 60% enriched uranium may have survived the airstrikes, possibly still trapped under rubble, but its precise location is unverified.
• Experts warn that if Iran recovers this material, it could reach weapons-grade status quickly.
• Notable quote:
  “The reality is Iran still has the capacity to reconstitute fairly quickly if they make that decision.”
  – Director of Nonproliferation Policy, Arms Control Association (Mike Baker reading, 09:10)

2. James Comey Indicted: Charges & Political Fallout

[10:43–14:50]

The Indictment

• Former FBI Director James Comey indicted by a federal grand jury on:
  • Two counts: Lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
• Charges stem from September 30, 2020 testimony on the FBI’s Trump-Russia “Crossfire Hurricane” probe:
  • Alleged Comey lied about not authorizing anonymous sourcing within the FBI.
  • Accused of obstructing a related congressional investigation into disclosure of sensitive information.

Comey’s Response & Legal Proceedings

• Comey’s Instagram statement:
  “My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either…fear is the tool of a tyrant…but I’m not afraid.”
  (James Comey, 11:43)

• Expressed heartbreak for the DOJ but confidence in the legal process.

• His attorney, Patrick J. Fitzgerald:
  “[Comey] denies the charges in their entirety.” (12:12)

• Arraignment scheduled: October 9, Alexandria, VA, before Judge Michael Nachmanoff (a Biden appointee).

Reactions

• Attorney General Pam Bondi:
  “No one here is above the law…” and case shows “commitment to accountability.” (12:41)

• FBI Director Cash Patel:

  • Praised FBI agents who investigated Comey (“called the balls and strikes”).
  • Dismissed politicization accusations as “baseless” and “recycling old grievances about the Trump-Russia probe.” (13:01)

• President Trump (on Truth Social):

  • Called Comey a “dirty cop” and “one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to.”
  • Asserted the indictment is “about justice, not revenge.” (13:23)

Context

• Comey has long been a polarizing figure for his roles in the Clinton email and Trump-Russia investigations.
• His 2017 firing led to the Mueller special counsel, which found no criminal conspiracy with Russia.
• Later, John Durham’s probe found the FBI mishandled the launch of Crossfire Hurricane.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Baker (on Pickaxe Mountain):
  “I swear that sounds like a Disney ride.” (00:56)
• Anonymous nuclear analyst (regarding Iran's pacing):
  “[Tehran is] still being deliberate in their construction and does not believe the mullahs are rushing to complete the facility.” (07:55)
• Comey’s Instagram statement:
  “We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either. … I’m not afraid.” (11:43)
• Attorney General Pam Bondi:
  “No one here is above the law.” (12:41)
• President Trump (on Comey):
  “A dirty cop…one of the worst human beings this country has ever been exposed to.” (13:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Nuclear Site:

  • Introduction & main revelations: 00:34–05:55
  • Satellite image analysis and implications: 05:56–09:38

• James Comey Indictment:

  • Story background and legal details: 10:43–12:11
  • Comey's response, attorney, arraignment details: 12:12–12:45
  • DOJ, FBI, Trump reactions & context: 12:46–14:45

Tone & Concluding Notes

Baker maintains his signature, lightly sardonic and direct tone (joking about “Disney ride” and the “jaunty” code name for the Iranian complex) while providing clear, non-partisan analysis. He contextualizes each story, drawing attention to both geopolitical strategy and the ongoing politicization of US law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The episode delivers the key facts and direct quotes, arming listeners with both substance and nuance on two major headlines.

For further questions or comments, Mike Baker invites listener interaction at pdb@thefirsttv.com.

[End of Summary]