
Loading summary
Weatherbug Advertiser
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human no one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need from storm warnings to pollen levels right at your fingertips. Get the fastest local Alerts and comprehensive 10 day forecasts wherever you are. Its hyperlocal real time customizable alerts make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free Weatherbug app from the App Store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts forecasts 247 do you want
CarMax Advertiser
to find a stress free way to buy your next car? Start at CarMax and shop your way. If you want to browse with Confidence, get pre qualified online with no impact on your credit score and shop cars within your budget. From luxury cars to family rides, CarMax has options for almost every price range, including more than 25,000 cars priced under $25,000. So hey want to get started? Just head to CarMax.com for details and get pre qualified today. Want to drive CarMax?
Public Investing Advertiser
Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool but is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosure is available at public.com disclosures
Anibe Sofa Advertiser
tired of spills and stains on your sofa? Wash away your worries with Anibe. Anibe is the only designer sofa that's machine washable inside and out starting at just $699 plus. Anibe sofas are pet friendly, stain resistant and feature changeable slipcovers and modular pieces get up to 60% off site wide with a 30 day money back guarantee. Visit washablesofas.com to get yours. Now that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
iFlag Football Advertiser
Flag football is exploding and iflag is leading the way as the Guinness World Record Holder. Iflag hosts premier flag football tournaments nationwide for boys, girls, high school girls and adults. From first time players to elite competitors, iflag delivers top level competition, unforgettable experiences and and a community built around the game ready to be part of it. Join the movement, find your tournament and learn more@iflag.org that's iflag.org Two questions regarding
Host or Commentator
the Financial Costs of the War Back during the Persian Gulf War 1990, 1991, Arab countries paid for the vast majority of the cost of the war. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the uae. Who's paying for the cost of this war? Will those Arab countries step up to do just that?
Well, I think it's something the President would be quite interested in calling them to do. I won't get ahead of him on that, but certainly it's an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you'll hear more from him on.
Ben Ferguson
You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.
Good Tuesday morning. Nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. We've got two big stories for you this morning. First up, the President. United States of America has new statements on Iran and it can change everything overnight. Plus, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He's now on record talking about what's next, including the Strait of Hormuz. But before we get to that, I want to take a moment and ask you to help the people in Israel with my friends at the IFCJ working
IFCJ Representative
right now on the ground for all those in need. A sacred season is approaching.
Ben Ferguson
Passover, when we remember God's deliverance, the
IFCJ Representative
night he brought his people out of bondage and into freedom. This year, many of God's people will observe in darkness under the shadow of war. Across Israel, red alert sirens pierce the air. Families run to shelters with seconds to spare. Elderly men and women fear they'll be left behind. And parents are comforting their frightened children as explosions shake the night. Sleeplessness and uncertainty have become daily life in Israel. And Passover reminds us that God hears the cries of his people and answers with love and compassion. And that's why the international fellowship of Christians and Jews is on the ground in Israel right now. They're providing food and emergency supplies equipping bomb shelters and caring for elderly Holocaust survivors. Just as his people once cried out for deliverance, vulnerable Israelis need your help today with your generous Passover gift. It shows you stand with God's people. And if you are ready to stand with the people of Israel, then stand with the IFCJ and help. You can call them 888488 IFCJ. That's 888488 IFCJ to rush your gift right now. Or you can give online@ifcj.org that's ifcj.org
Ben Ferguson
it's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.
Story number one.
Welcome back. It is the Ben Ferg. Nice to have you with us. Donald Trump has come out talking about who he's talking to in Iran, the new regime. They are in place and the president also making it very clear if they do not agree with the negotiations with America, we will blow up their power infrastructure easily. They better make a deal now. President Trump suggesting in a message on Monday morning that a new and more reasonable regime has taken over Iran and is Talking with Washington, D.C. he warned yet again he is willing to obliterate Iran's energy infrastructure. His exact words if the talks do not lead to a durable agreement. Trump made the declaration a message on his website through social what remains of the Iranian government after the elimination of the supreme leader has repeatedly denied Trump's claim that it is in conversations with the American government, while also stating that it has responded to America's proposals, which would be impossible without a conversation. President Trump smiling through that in a statement saying that not only is America pursuing regime change in Iran, but the regime change has already happened, saying the United States of America is in serious discussions with a new and more reasonable regime to end our military operations in Iran. He followed up that comment with a threat, great progress has been made. But if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately open for business, we will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and carg island and possibly all desalination plants which we have purposely not yet touched, quote, unquote. The president went on to say, this will be in retribution for our many soldiers and others that Iran is butchered and killed over the regime's 47 year reign of terror. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Now President Trump is seriously weighing also a military operation we're being told to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium from Iran. And while the Iranian government has not responded directly to Trump's statement at press time, the Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed on Monday that Iran had received and was contemplating negotiation messages from the United States. At the same time, that individual also disparaged the proposals as being unrealistic, illogical and excessive. But his statement nonetheless confirmed that the existence of some form of communication between individuals in power in Iran and the White House, specifically Donald Trump, quote, our position is clear. We are under military aggression. Therefore, all our efforts and strengths are focused on defending ourselves. According to translation by the Saudi outlet there, the government of also Pakistan claimed last week that it was mediating talks between America and Iran, handing Tehran a 15 point proposal from the White House. Trump shortly thereafter claimed that Iran, quote, gave us most of the points and that he would be asking for a couple of other things. The President also announced that he would not target any energy infrastructure in Iran through April 6th. That would be Easter Sunday. Talks are ongoing and despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the fake news media and others, they are going very well. The President said. Thank you for your attention to this matter. He also claimed that Iran was begging for a deal contrary to the declarations in Iranian state media, clearly to keep the people in Iran in line. Also indicating the existence of talks and those talks actually being very real, was the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, known as the iaea, who told Italian media on Wednesday that talks about the Iran war would take place in Pakistan as early as this past weekend. Another example of confirmation. Three weeks of war have left their mark, which caused a lot of damage, affected Iran's economic, energy and productive infrastructure. This will make the conversation, quote, a little bit different. Now, Pakistan did host talks on the Iran war this weekend, but reports indicated that neither Iran nor the United States of America, quote, participated. Instead, the event offered an opportunity for Pakistan to discuss the war with officials from Saudi Arabia and Turkey as well as Egypt. Now, according to the Egyptian Foreign Minister, the objective of the talks is to de escalate tension and encourage a negotiating process between Iran, the United States of America to spare the region comprehensive chaos. The Pakistani government also added that while Iran did not directly participate, Pakistani officials had a phone call with the Iranian foreign minister to discuss Tehran's position. Now, most of Iran's response to the current hostilities by the United States has been to target its neighboring countries with missile and drone attacks, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Other countries Iran has bombed include Kuwait, Qatar, the uae, Israel, Cyprus. Iranian officials have claimed the Strikes are intended to target American and Israeli sites, but in reality, they are targeting a variety of civilian sites instead, including energy facilities in many of the Gulf states.
Next story number two, which brings us
to a one on one interview done on Good Morning America on Monday morning with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. I think it's incredibly important you hear what Marco had to say. Take a listen to the interview.
Interviewer
Mr. Secretary, thank you for joining us this morning. Let's talk about the president's comments overnight talking about taking the oil on Carg Island. How would he do this? Why would he do this? Won't it take ground troops?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Well, first of all, it's important remember the objectives of this operation from the very beginning. We were going to. We are destroying Iran's navy. We are destroying their ability to their missile launchers by a significant percentage. We're going to wipe out their defense industrial base, meaning their ability to make new missiles and new drones in the future because it pose a great threat to the region. This Iran that you're seeing now, this is Iran at its weakest point. Imagine them two years from now if they had thousands of more missiles, thousands of more missile launchers and factories to make even more. That was an unacceptable risk. It needed to be addressed and President Trump is addressing it now. They are making threats about controlling the Hormuz Straits in perpetuity, creating a tolling system and the like. That's not going to be allowed to happen. And the president has a number of options available to him if he so chooses to prevent that from happening. Obviously, I'm not going to discuss what those options are and we're not going to discuss military tactics. The Department of War would be in charge of those things. I'd refer you to them, but obviously they're not going to discuss it with you either. But there is a way forward here to achieve our objectives. We are going to achieve our objectives in a matter of weeks, not months.
Interviewer
Well, but let's talk about taking the oil because the president laid out that objective last night. And taking the oil will take ground troops, won't it?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Well, again, the Iranians are threatening that they're going to set up some permanent system in the Straits of Hormuz where they get to decide who goes through international waterways. That will never be allowed to happen, by the way. The rest of the world should take note of that. They have more at stake there than we do. We get very little of our energy in this country coming through the Straits of Hormuz. The rest of the world gets a lot More that said, the President has several options at his disposal, and the Department of War is preparing optionality for the President for this and various other contingencies that might arise. That's what always needs to happen in situations like this. But what I want the American people and the people watching this broadcast to know is that fundamentally what this is about is the destruction of their air force, which has been largely achieved, the destruction of their navy, which has been largely achieved, the destruction of their factories that they make all these weapons with, which is we're well on our way to achieving, and a substantial reduction in the number of missile launchers that they have so that they cannot continue to threaten their neighbors in the future. All of those objectives are being met on or ahead of schedule and should be able to achieve in a matter of weeks.
Interviewer
As you're speaking, though, the President is expanding the objectives. Just a couple minutes ago, he put out a post on Truth Social, saying that we're in discussions now with a new and more reasonable regime in Iran. But he also added that if those discussions don't yield fruit, the United States will blow up and completely obliterate all of their electric generating plants, all their oil wells and Carg island and possibly all desalinization plants, which we have purposely not yet touched, is what he said. That's a great expansion of the objectives.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Well, I think the first point the President makes is he prefers diplomacy. As I said, those efforts are nascent. There is messages being relayed back and forth, some conversations going on, including through intermediaries, and he always prefers that. Look, if the Iranian regime had come forward at any point in the past and said, we're going to walk away from our nuclear ambitions, we're going to do nuclear energy the way every other country in the world, primarily almost every other country in the world does it, and that is through a peaceful means in which you bring in the fuel and it's supervised and so forth. We're going to stop supporting terrorist groups across the region. Look at this region. Every single terrorist group in this region has a link to the Iranian regime. Every single one. The Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Shia militias that are attacking everyone out of Iraq. Every single one of these groups and all the destabilization in this region tracks directly back to the Iranian regime. Those things have to be addressed. And if Iran had been willing to address those in the past, we wouldn't be having this interview on this topic right now. Their refusal to do so and their continuing move towards one day acquiring a nuclear capability, these people are lunatics. They are insane. They are religious zealots who can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon because they have an apocalyptic vision of the future. And all of their neighbors know that, by the way, which is why all of their neighbors have been supportive of the efforts we're conducting.
Interviewer
You call them lunatics, but the president just had this post where he says, we're in discussions with a new and more reasonable regime. Let me try to pin you down on that. Who is this new and more reasonable regime is the United States is in direct contact with them.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Well, I'm not going to disclose to you who those people are because it probably would get them in trouble with some other groups of people inside of Iran. Look, there's some fractures going on there internally. And at the end of the day, I think that if there are people in Iran who now, given everything that's happened, are willing to move in a different direction for their country, that would be great. Imagine in Iran that instead of spending their wealth, billions of dollars supporting terrorists or weapons, had spent that money helping the people of Iran, you'd have a much different country. So we are always hopeful that that would exist over there. It's unfortunate. The people of Iran are incredible people. The people who lead them, these people, this clerical regime, that is the problem. And if there are new people now in charge who have a more reasonable vision of the future, that would be good news for us, for them, for the entire world. But we also have to be prepared for the possibility, maybe even the probability, that that is not the case.
Interviewer
Well, but the president said they are. Or is that the case or is it not? I'm just trying to get some clarity on that.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Well, what I mean is. Yeah, so you have people over there that are saying some of the right things privately. Obviously, they're not going to put it out in press releases and what they say to you or put out there for the world, it doesn't necessarily reflect what they're saying in our conversations. But at the end of the day, we have to see if these people end up being the ones in charge, seeing if they're the ones that have the power to deliver. We're going to test it. We are hopeful that that's the case. There are clearly people there talking to us in ways that previous people in charge in Iran have not spoken to us in the past. Some of the things they're willing to do, some of the things they're saying they're willing to do, obviously they have to go do it. We're going to test that proposition very strongly because we always prefer to settle things through negotiation and diplomacy. But we also have to be prepared for the fact that that effort might fail. That we are dealing with a 47 year old regime that still has a lot of people involved in it who aren't necessarily big fans of diplomacy or peace.
Interviewer
And if it fails, the war expands.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
What's that? I'm sorry?
Interviewer
If it fails, the war expands?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Well, the war is this operation. And that's what this is, is about. Very specific objectives. The President laid them out on the first night of the operation. Operation. I'll repeat them to you now because I hear a lot of talk about we don't know what the clear objectives are. Here they are. You should write them down. Number one, the destruction of their air force. Number two, the destruction of their navy. Number three, the severe diminishing of their missile launching capability. And number four, the destruction of their factory so they can't make more missiles and more drones to threaten us in the future. All of this so that they can never hide behind it to acquire a nuclear weapon. That was our objective from the beginning. That remains our objective now. We are on pace and in fact ahead of schedule on some of those things and we are going to achieve those things in a number of weeks, not in a number of months.
Interviewer
Mr. Secretary, thanks for your time this morning.
Ben Ferguson
It's really interesting to see how much the media is willing to change, alter and lie to you, to try to make you think that somehow what we're doing in Iran is a failure when clearly in reality it's a massive success already and the Secretary of State making it very clear the Trump doctrine is working.
Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now and for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.
Weatherbug Advertiser
No one knows what the future holds, but you deserve a weather app that can help. Weatherbug is easy to use and provides forecasts for your every need. From storm warnings to pollen levels right at your fingertips. Get the fastest local alerts and comprehensive 10 day forecasts wherever you are. Its hyperlocal real time customizable alerts. Make sure the weather never takes you by surprise so you can plan every day with confidence. Download the free Weatherbug app from the App Store today and start getting accurate weather forecasts 24. 7
Anibe Sofa Advertiser
sink into affordable luxury. Anabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out with stain resistant slipcovers and a cloud like frame duvet. Everything goes right in the wash. Plus the modular design lets you change the look of your space anytime. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your home shop up to 60% off site wide with sofas starting at just $699 and a 30 day money back guarantee. Shop now@washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.
iFlag Football Advertiser
Flag Football is exploding and iflag is leading the way as the Guinness World Record Holder. Iflag hosts premier Flag football tournament nationwide for boys, girls, high school girls and adults. From first time players to elite competitors, iflag delivers top level competition, unforgettable experiences and a community built around the game. Ready to be part of it? Join the movement, find your tournament and learn more@iflag.org that's iflag.org Ever wonder how
Reynolds Kitchens Advertiser
to make hosting look effortless? Here's a secret when prepping for cooking and baking, get ahead of the mess with new Reynolds Kitchens countertop prep paper. Just lightly wet the counter so the paper grips. Lay it down and drips and spills stay on the paper, not on your counter. Cleanup is as simple as lifting it away to reveal clean counters. Effortless it is thanks to Reynolds Kitchens Countertop prep paper. Wet it, set it, prep it done. Available in the Reynolds Wrap aisle at Walmart.
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com
Weatherbug Advertiser
Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate months only then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra fee, full terms@mintmobile.com this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.
Date: March 31, 2026
Hosts: Ben Ferguson, Senator Ted Cruz
Key Guests: Secretary of State Marco Rubio (via GMA interview)
This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz focuses on rapidly shifting U.S.-Iran relations amid ongoing conflict, the bold claims of “regime change” already underway in Iran, and the possibility of total destruction of Iranian energy infrastructure by the United States if negotiations fail. Ben Ferguson anchors the show, walks listeners through the latest statements by President Trump and key figures, and presents an unfiltered interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio for deeper insight into U.S. military objectives and diplomatic maneuvers.
President Trump’s Comments (05:53–11:40):
Iranian Response & International Mediation:
Memorable Quote:
“We will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Carg Island and possibly all desalination plants which we have purposely not yet touched.”
— President Trump, as cited by Ben Ferguson (07:10)
U.S. Military Objectives (12:06–14:19, 18:00–18:44):
Energy & Strategic Threats (13:16–14:48):
Diplomacy vs. Force and Regime Change (14:48–17:56):
Notable Quotes & Exchanges:
Rubio on Military Objectives:
“The destruction of their air force... navy... the severe diminishing of their missile launching capability... the destruction of their factory so they can’t make more missiles and more drones to threaten us in the future.”
— Marco Rubio (18:00)
Rubio on Iran’s Leadership:
“These people are lunatics... They are insane. They are religious zealots who can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon because they have an apocalyptic vision of the future.”
— Marco Rubio (15:24)
Rubio on Regime Change:
“If there are new people now in charge who have a more reasonable vision of the future, that would be good news… We're going to test that proposition very strongly because we always prefer to settle things through negotiation and diplomacy.”
— Marco Rubio (16:14, 17:06)
Regional Impact:
Humanitarian Appeals:
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 07:10 | President Trump (quoted) | “We will conclude our lovely stay in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells and Carg Island and possibly all desalination plants which we have purposely not yet touched.” | | 12:06 | Marco Rubio | “We are destroying Iran's navy… their missile launchers by a significant percentage… their ability to make new missiles and new drones in the future.” | | 15:24 | Marco Rubio | “These people are lunatics… They are religious zealots who can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon because they have an apocalyptic vision of the future.” | | 16:14 | Marco Rubio | “If there are people in Iran who now, given everything that's happened, are willing to move in a different direction for their country, that would be great...” | | 18:00 | Marco Rubio | “The President laid them out on the first night of the operation. I’ll repeat them to you now... Number one, the destruction of their air force...” |
This episode offers a front-row seat to what Ferguson and his guests frame as a turning point in Middle East geopolitics, with American decisiveness at the helm and little patience for what they characterize as “media distortions” or extended military entanglement.