PDB Afternoon Bulleting | June 23rd, 2025: Iran Fires Missile Barrage At US Troops In Qatar & Iran Begs Russia For More Help

Summary

Podcast Summary: The President's Daily Brief Afternoon Bulletin | June 23rd, 2025

Episode Title: PDB Afternoon Bulletin | June 23rd, 2025: Iran Fires Missile Barrage At US Troops In Qatar & Iran Begs Russia For More Help
Host: Mike Baker, Former CIA Operations Officer
Release Date: June 23, 2025

---

I. Iran's Missile Attack on US Forces in Qatar

Timestamp: [00:41] – [02:23]

The bulletin kicks off with breaking news from the Middle East, highlighting a direct missile strike by Iran on U.S. forces stationed at Al Daid Air Base in Qatar. According to Mike Baker, "Tehran's top security body claims the number of bombs used mirrors those fired by the US in its recent strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities" ([01:15]).

• Details of the Attack:
  • Missiles Launched: Approximately 14 missiles were confirmed to have been launched ([01:43]).
  • Interception and Casualties: Qatar's Ministry of Defense reported successful interception by air defenses with no casualties, as the base was mostly unoccupied ([01:38] – [01:47]).
  • Possible Coordination: The New York Times suggests Qatar may have been forewarned, indicating a potentially coordinated attack to minimize casualties and prevent escalation ([01:59]).

Co-Host's Insight: "Qatar has condemned the strike, calling it a flagrant violation of its sovereignty" ([02:09]).

---

II. US and Israeli Responses to Iranian Aggression

Timestamp: [02:34] – [05:26]

Following the missile barrage, the discussion shifts to the responses from the U.S. and Israel.

President Trump's Stance on Regime Change:

• Potential Regime Change: President Trump is contemplating regime change to oust Iran's ruling mullahs within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ([02:37] – [03:17]).
• Public Declaration: In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "it's not politically correct to use the term regime change, but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again... why wouldn't there be a regime change?" ([03:19] – [03:21]).
• Acronym Explanation: He concluded with "miga," standing for "Make Iran Great Again" ([03:34] – [03:40]).

Israel's Military Escalation:

• Targeted Strikes: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed over 100 munitions strikes on Tehran within two hours, targeting key IRGC and Basij (paramilitary militia) headquarters ([04:03] – [04:24]).
• Strategic Objectives: These strikes aim to destabilize Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's government and incite internal dissent ([04:33] – [05:11]).
• Official Statements: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, "the Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front" and vowed, "the strikes will continue with full force" ([05:14] – [05:24]).
• Current Status: Khamenei is reportedly in an underground bunker, striving to maintain authority amidst increasing pressures ([05:38] – [05:40]).

---

III. Iran Seeks Assistance from Russia Amidst US and Israeli Pressure

Timestamp: [10:16] – [13:27]

The afternoon bulletin resumes post-advertisements, delving into Iran's diplomatic outreach to Russia following intensified military confrontations.

Iran's Plea for Support:

• Direct Appeal: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has dispatched Iran's top diplomat to Moscow with a personal letter to President Vladimir Putin, urging for increased support amid US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities ([10:16] – [10:33]).

Russia's Response:

• Conditional Support: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "everything will depend on what Iran needs," indicating a lack of immediate, concrete aid ([10:53] – [10:56]).
• Internal Kremlin Dynamics: While some Russian lawmakers advocate for providing advanced air defense systems and intelligence support to Iran, similar to aid given to Ukraine, President Putin remains hesitant to escalate tensions with the U.S. further ([11:06] – [12:10]).

Strategic Partnership Reality:

• Symbolic Alliance: Despite a long-standing strategic partnership, the Russia-Iran alliance lacks binding commitments, such as mutual defense clauses, making the support appear more symbolic than substantive ([12:14] – [12:17]).

UN Security Council Developments:

• Emergency Resolution: Russia, along with China and Pakistan, is pushing for an immediate ceasefire following the US airstrikes, yet actual outcomes remain uncertain ([12:35] – [12:45]).
• Medvedev's Aggressive Stance: Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev asserted on platform X (formerly Twitter) that "Iran would proceed with its nuclear weapons program regardless," and hinted at the readiness of unnamed nations to provide Tehran with warheads ([12:58] – [13:15]).

Co-Host's Commentary: "Medvedev has never met a nuclear saber that he's not willing to rattle. He's like the Russian Dr. Strangelove, but without the one gloved hand and the cool sunglasses" ([13:08] – [13:27]).

---

IV. Implications and Future Outlook

The bulletin underscores a volatile escalation in the Middle East, with significant implications for international security and geopolitical alliances:

• Escalating Tensions: The reciprocal missile attacks and military strikes between Iran and Israel, coupled with potential U.S. regime change initiatives, heighten the risk of broader regional conflict.
• Russian Neutrality: Russia's cautious stance, balancing its alliance with Iran against its own geopolitical interests with the West, suggests limited immediate support for Tehran.
• Nuclear Proliferation Risks: Statements from Russian officials like Medvedev indicate a troubling disregard for nuclear norms, potentially accelerating Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The host, Mike Baker, concludes by emphasizing the importance of staying informed amidst these rapidly evolving global crises.

Final Quote: "As we navigate these turbulent times, understanding the intricate dynamics between these power players is crucial for anticipating America's most pressing challenges" ([13:27]).

---

For further updates and in-depth analysis, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to The President's Daily Brief and stay engaged with the latest developments shaping global geopolitics.

Transcript

[Barilla Advertiser]

Imagine this. The best pasta sauce you have ever tasted sits abandoned on a plate. Wasted sauce that is a tragedy. If only you had used barilla al Bronzo pasta. Its bronze cut texture holds your sauce and scoops up every last drop. The Italians call that scarpetta capture sauce, the Italian way. Barilla al bronzo. Click or tap the banner to find out more.

[Mike Baker]

It's Monday, the 23rd of June. Welcome to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage.

[Co-Host]

All right, let's get briefed. First.

[Mike Baker]

In the wake of the precision strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend, President Trump is now flirting with the idea of regime change to end the rule of the mullahs in the irgc. Later in the show, as his government.

[Co-Host]

Begins to crumble under the weight of Israeli and US Military bombardment, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is turning to his supposed friends in Russia for help, asking for.

[Mike Baker]

Assistance in an attempt to maintain a hold on power.

[Co-Host]

We'll have the details, but first, there's.

[Mike Baker]

Breaking news out of the Middle East. Iran has launched a direct missile attack on US Forces stationed at Al Daid Air Base in Qatar. Tehran's top security body claims the number of bombs used mirrors those fired by the US in its recent strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

[Co-Host]

For now, while confirmed numbers are still pending, it appears that approximately 14 missiles.

[Mike Baker]

Are confirmed to have been launched.

[Co-Host]

The Qatari Ministry of Defense says its.

[Mike Baker]

Air defenses successfully intercepted the missiles. Now, no casualties had been reported. The base was reportedly mostly empty at the time, and Qatar had already closed its airspace as a precaution. The New York Times is reporting that.

[Co-Host]

Qatar may have been tipped off in advance, suggesting the attack was possibly coordinated.

[Mike Baker]

To avoid loss of life and any unnecessary escalation.

[Co-Host]

Even so, Qatar has condemned the strike.

[Mike Baker]

Calling it a flagrant violation of its sovereignty. And this wasn't Iran's only move. Missile launches have also been reportedly targeting US Military positions in Iraq.

[Co-Host]

We'll continue tracking developments, but early indications are that the Iranian regime's retaliation was.

[Mike Baker]

A strategic decision to both limit and telegraph their response.

[Co-Host]

Now, today's PDB Afternoon Spotlight.

[Mike Baker]

Following America's surprise strike on Iran's nuclear program, President Trump is now floating the.

[Co-Host]

Possibility of regime change as Israel shifts.

[Mike Baker]

Their military focus to targeting Iran's government sites and domestic security apparatus. Trump warned the Mullis over the weekend and prior to today's launch of missiles targeting US Bases in Qatar and reportedly.

[Co-Host]

Iraq that any Iranian retaliation will be.

[Mike Baker]

Met with an overwhelming military response and although the White House has said that.

[Co-Host]

Regime change is not their objective, as.

[Mike Baker]

Iran digs in their heels and continues.

[Co-Host]

To reject negotiations, the president is is.

[Mike Baker]

Now teasing the possibility of toppling their.

[Co-Host]

Government, permanently ending the mullah's 46 year rule.

[Mike Baker]

In a post on Truth Social on.

[Co-Host]

Sunday, the president mused, quote, it's not.

[Mike Baker]

Politically correct to use the term regime change, but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, which he put in all caps, so you know he meant it, why wouldn't there be a regime change?

[Co-Host]

He said miga. That's how he finished up his his.

[Mike Baker]

Truth Social post with miga.

[Co-Host]

Now that of course is Trump's acronym for make Iran great again. And that slogan, of course, will undoubtedly.

[Mike Baker]

Show up on ball caps all around Tehran soon.

[Co-Host]

Trump's apparent warning to the mullahs comes.

[Mike Baker]

As Israel shifts the focus of their.

[Co-Host]

Military strikes towards targeting Iran's domestic security infrastructure due to Iran's continued targeting of Israeli civilians in missile attacks.

[Mike Baker]

On Monday, the IDF launched a torrent.

[Co-Host]

Of strikes across the capital of Tehran, dropping more than 100 munition over the.

[Mike Baker]

Course of just two hours.

[Co-Host]

That's according to a report from the New York Post.

[Mike Baker]

Israel's Defense Ministry said, quote, the Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front, end quote. Among the targets hit were the headquarters of Basish.

[Co-Host]

That's the paramilitary volunteer militia within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as.

[Mike Baker]

The internal security headquarters of the irgc.

[Co-Host]

Now notably the Basij are the force.

[Mike Baker]

That handles internal protest within the Iranian population. The IDF also struck Iran's notoriously brutal even prison, where the regime has housed thousands of its opponents and critics since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

[Co-Host]

That strike on the prison reportedly blew.

[Mike Baker]

Open the front section, allowing an unknown number of political prisoners to flee. Israel's operations are now increasingly aimed at destabilizing the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah.

[Co-Host]

Ali Khamenei, potentially creating the conditions for.

[Mike Baker]

An internal uprising against his longtime repressive regime.

[Co-Host]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday.

[Mike Baker]

That the IDF is, quote, currently striking with unprecedented force regime targets and governmental oppression entities in the heart of Tehran. He added, quote, for every attack on.

[Co-Host]

The Israeli home front, the the Iranian.

[Mike Baker]

Dictator will be punished and the strikes will continue with full force. The actions come less than a week.

[Co-Host]

After Katz called Khomeini the modern Hitler.

[Mike Baker]

And said the brutal dictator, quote, cannot continue to exist.

[Co-Host]

The Ayatollah is now reportedly hiding in.

[Mike Baker]

An underground bunker as he works to maintain a grip on power. Just a quick heads up for our YouTube viewers. You know who you are. If this is your first time watching and you like what you see, hopefully you do. Well, make sure to hit that subscribe button. We release two daily briefings during the week and our long form weekend show, the PDB Situation Report. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single briefing.

[Co-Host]

And for those of you listening on.

[Mike Baker]

Podcast platforms all over the podcast world.

[Co-Host]

You can check out our YouTube channel. That's just go to.

[Mike Baker]

At President's Daily Brief. It's that simple. At President's Daily Brief on YouTube.

[Co-Host]

All right, coming up next, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei turns to his supposed friends in Russia to ask for assistance. But will the Putin regime respond meaningfully.

[Mike Baker]

To their beleaguered ally?

[Co-Host]

I'll be right back.

[Mike Baker]

Hey, Mike Baker here.

[Co-Host]

Most people know me as a former.

[Mike Baker]

CIA dude, a businessman, and of course a podcast host.

[Co-Host]

But did you know I'm actually quite.

[Mike Baker]

The expert on personal hygiene? That's right. So let's talk about sweat, shall we?

[Co-Host]

Now you have a step outside and.

[Mike Baker]

And feel like you're instantly drenched in sweat.

[Co-Host]

You know what I'm talking about? It's hot, it's humid, and it's like.

[Mike Baker]

No matter what you do, the sweat doesn't stop. Well, there is a solution. Introducing the Mando Deodorant plus Sweat Control Solid Stick.

[Co-Host]

It's not your average deodorant. It's clinical strength and it's delivering twice.

[Mike Baker]

The sweat control compared to standard formulas. One swipe and you're good to go with clinical strength, Sweat Control and Mando Starter Pack. Well, frankly, it's great for new customers. It comes with a solid stick deodorant, the Cream Tube deodorant, and two free products of your choice like the mini.

[Co-Host]

Body wash and deodorant wipes and free shipping.

[Mike Baker]

Don't forget the free shipping.

[Co-Host]

As a special offer for PDB listeners.

[Mike Baker]

New customers get 20 off site wide.

[Co-Host]

Just use the code [e-mail] for 20.

[Mike Baker]

Off site wide plus free shipping. Shopmando.com and don't forget, support our show.

[Co-Host]

And tell them that, well, we sent you.

[Mike Baker]

Mando's got you covered with deodorant plus sweat Control. Say goodbye to the embarrassing sweat stains and hello to long lasting freshness.

[Co-Host]

Mike Baker here. Let me take just a few seconds of your time to talk about your.

[Mike Baker]

Personal finances and your hard earned savings and how to protect them. Did you know that in the last 12 months, gold's value has jumped 30%.

[Co-Host]

That's right.

[Mike Baker]

And central banks, well, they're busy buying.

[Co-Host]

Up all the gold that they can get their hands on with the usual ups and downs in the stock market.

[Mike Baker]

And general uncertainty over the global economy.

[Co-Host]

And of course those trade wars, don't forget them. And of course the real wars and the BRICS nations pushing hard to replace the US Dollar.

[Mike Baker]

Well, it's no wonder that thousands of Americans have turned to Birch Gold Group.

[Co-Host]

Because in times of uncertainty, well, gold.

[Mike Baker]

Can offer peace of mind. Birch Gold makes it easy to convert your IRA or your 401k into a tax sheltered IRA in physical gold.

[Co-Host]

Or like a lot of folks, you can just buy gold to store at home.

[Mike Baker]

Text PDB to the number 989898 and Birch Gold will send you a free information kit on gold. There's no obligation, it's just useful information with an A plus rating. With a Better Business Bureau and tens of thousands of happy customers, take control of protecting your hard earned Savings today. Text PDB to 989-898 Home means something different to everyone.

[Rocket Mortgage Advertiser]

But with Rocket Mortgage, home can mean even more. It can mean a college education, taming your high interest debt, even a renovation. We've made it easier than ever to use your home equity. That home you worked so hard for, now it can work hard for you. Call 804Rocket or visit Rocket.com to find out more.

[Rocket Mortgage LLC]

Rocket Mortgage LLC. Licensed in all 50 states.

[Miranda Devine]

Nmlsconsumeraccess.org 3030 Power, politics and the People behind the Headlines I'm Miranda Devine, New York Post columnist and the host of the brand new podcast Pod Force One. Every week I'll sit down for candid conversations with Washington's most powerful disruptors, lawmakers, newsmakers, and even the President of the United States. These are the leaders shaping the future of America and the world. Listen to podforce One with me, Miranda Devine every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast. You don't want to miss an episode.

[Mike Baker]

Welcome back to the afternoon bulletin. In the wake of this weekend's strikes, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has turned to.

[Co-Host]

Moscow, dispatching his top diplomat in a bid to rally support from their ally. Now the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi.

[Mike Baker]

Is expected to hand deliver a personal.

[Co-Host]

Letter from Khamenei to Russian leader Putin today, pleading for stronger backing as Tehran reels from US Airstrikes that decimated its.

[Mike Baker]

Nuclear sites over the weekend. But despite the high level overture, Moscow is offering more hand wringing than, well, than hardware. Kremlin mouthpiece Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia's willingness.

[Co-Host]

To help, but made clear that no.

[Mike Baker]

Concrete aid had been pledged. Peskov told State run Tass, quote, everything will depend on what Iran needs, adding that Tehran had yet to articulate specific requests.

[Co-Host]

In effect, Russia is waiting to be.

[Mike Baker]

Asked, supposedly offering only limited statements. As we've reported here on the pdb, President Trump and Israeli officials have openly floated the idea of regime change and even the assassination of Khamenei.

[Co-Host]

Those are moves that have set off.

[Mike Baker]

Alarm bells inside the Kremlin. Putin has condemned Israeli airstrikes, but has yet to say a word about the US bombardment. Instead, the Kremlin continues to push its usual fallback of offering mediation over Iran's nuclear program because, as we all know, Putin loves nothing more than peace. But inside the Kremlin, some Russian lawmakers have reportedly urged the delivery of advanced.

[Co-Host]

Air defense systems and intelligence support, much.

[Mike Baker]

Like what the US has provided to Ukraine.

[Co-Host]

But Putin, already neck deep in his.

[Mike Baker]

Three year invasion with Kiev, seems reluctant to pick a second fight with Washington. And while Moscow has bought weapons from.

[Co-Host]

Iran for its war in Ukraine and.

[Mike Baker]

Loves to boast about its special recent.

[Co-Host]

20 year strategic partnership with Tehran, it's.

[Mike Baker]

Becoming increasingly clear that this alliance is more symbolic than binding.

[Co-Host]

There's no mutual defense clause, no clear.

[Mike Baker]

Red lines, and so far, no meaningful aid. Meanwhile, Putin has reportedly secured assurances from Israel that Russian contractors working on two new reactors at Iran's Bushehr nuclear site will be left alone in any future attacks. A meeting between Putin and Iraqi is.

[Co-Host]

Still expected, but whether that amounts to anything beyond rhetoric, well, that remains to be seen at the UN Security Council. On Sunday, Russia, China and Pakistan joined.

[Mike Baker]

Forces to push for an emergency resolution.

[Co-Host]

Demanding an immediate ceasefire following the American.

[Mike Baker]

Airstrikes on the Islamic regime's three nuclear facilities. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy.

[Co-Host]

Head of the Security Council, took to.

[Mike Baker]

X with his usual fire and fury and bizarre statements, declaring that Iran would proceed with its nuclear weapons program regardless.

[Co-Host]

And even hinting that unnamed nations are.

[Mike Baker]

Ready to provide Tehran with warheads outright.

[Co-Host]

But as we know well, Medvedev has.

[Mike Baker]

Never met a nuclear saber that he's not willing to rattle. His go to move is to threaten the use of nukes.

[Co-Host]

He's like the Russian Dr. Strangelove, but.

[Mike Baker]

Without the one gloved hand and the cool sunglasses. And that, my friends, is the PDB afternoon bulletin from Monday 23 June. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the.

[Co-Host]

First tv.com and of course, as I'm.

[Mike Baker]

Sure you know, to listen to the show ad free. Just become a premium member of the.

[Co-Host]

President's Daily brief by visiting PDB premium.com. i'm Mike Baker and I'll be back tomorrow.

[Mike Baker]

Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.