The President's Daily Brief - January 14th, 2025: Russia And Iran Sign Historic Partnership & China Builds Taiwan Invasion Barges

Episode Date: January 14, 2025

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: The growing partnership between Russia and Iran, as the Islamic Republic engages in secret talks with Moscow to advance its nuclear ambitions. China's construction of five specialized amphibious assault barges and what analysts say about their potential use in a conflict over Taiwan. Optimism for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with Israeli officials revealing key details of a deal under consideration. And in today’s Back of the Brief: The latest from Los Angeles, where wildfires rage, the death toll rises, and authorities contend with growing challenges from looters. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Reynolds here for MintMobil with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please for the love of everything good in this world, stop. With Mint, you can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying, no judgments, but that's weird.

Okay, one judgment. Anyway, give it a try at mintmobile.com slash switch. Upfront payment of $45 for three-month plan, equivalent to $15 per month required. Intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available. Taxes and fees extra. See full terms at mintmobile.com.

Hey, Mike Baker here. I'm currently on an epic camel trek through the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. 700 miles in about four weeks, all to raise awareness for the U.K. Special Forces Benevolent Fund. And if you're wondering, well, there are very few comfortable ways to sit on a camel. Now, while I'm away, my good friend Mike Slater, is stepping in to keep you informed here on the PDB. Thanks, Mike, and safe travels, brother. It is Tuesday, 14 January 2025. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Slater filling in for Mike Baker. It's an honor to be filling in when Baker's off doing what all of us do on our vacation time.

You know, ride Campbells through the Saudi Arabian desert. But Baker, of course, doing it for a good cause. The Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund. It's called their tribute Trek. And you can follow them on Instagram, S-F-C-B-F, T-R-E-K on Instagram. Saudi Arabia and Jordan. five riders, 10 camels, 700 miles. They'll update us if you ever can have a moment and get some reception.

Look forward to hearing from soon. I look forward to Mike getting back. Until then, my honor to be here. My name is Mike Slater. I host the morning show called Breitbart News Daily on Sirius XM Patriot. Also host a podcast called Politics by Faith and a TV show on the first TV. Baker has been on that show many times. And if you've ever wondered, yes, he is a genuinely good man.

Now, without further ado, let's get briefed. Today, we kick off with the growing partnership between Russia and Iran as news emerges of the Islamic Republic's engaging in secret talks with Moscow to bolster its nuclear ambitions. Later in the show, China is building at least five specialized barges for amphibious assaults. Analysts suggest these vessels could be designed to transport tanks and heavy equipment into Taiwanese shores. Plus, with optimism building for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Israeli officials have revealed the key details of the deal that both sides are currently considering. And in today's back of the brief, the latest from Los Angeles, where the death toll rises and authorities face growing challenges with looters, some of them dressing up as firefighters. But first, today's PDB spotlight will begin in Russia, where Vladimir Putin is preparing to host the president of Iran this week for the signing of a long-awaited, comprehensive strategic partnership pact.

that could have nuclear implications. The Iranian president is set to arrive in Moscow for the diplomatic talks on January 17th, which will officially focus on plans for expanding bilateral trade, investment and cooperation in transport, logistics, and humanitarian spheres. The Kremlin said Monday that the pair will also discuss regional and international issues, though they did not elaborate on specifics. If you listen to Baker, then you know that Russia has been cultivating closer ties with Iran ever since their February 22 invasion of Ukraine with a focus on strategic. strategic defense cooperation. Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of kamikaze drones, helping facilitate long-range strikes on Ukraine's vital infrastructure. Namalas have gone so far as to help Moscow build their own production bases for these drones inside Russia, while also supplying the Putin regime with close-range ballistic missiles to resupply their dwindling stockpiles. In return, the Iranians have pursued sophisticated

Russian weapons like long-range air defense systems and fighter jets. But recent rumbling say Iran's leaders are after something far more explosive than that. One item not explicitly on the agenda in Moscow this week is Iran's nuclear program, but an exclusive report from Britain's The Times reveals that the Islamic Republic has also been engaging in secret talks with Moscow to advance its atomic ambitions. According to the report, a senior advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader has been conducting covert diplomatic missions to Russia in recent months ahead of the signing of the new treaty, seeking the Kremlin's assistance in improving Tehran's nuclear and air defense capabilities.

The aid is met with high-ranking Russian officials during these secret excursions, though what kind of assistance Russia may be providing the Iranians at this time remains unclear. An unnamed Western intelligence source told the Times, quote, since they are deepening their strategic relationship and Russia is dependent on Iran for missiles and drones, there's concern that Moscow is ready to cross previously drawn red lines on the Iranian nuclear program. According to the sources who spoke with the Times, while the Iranians are fully capable of developing the enriched uranium needed to build a bomb, they lack expertise on the finer points of how to effectively deploy such a device.

NATO's former director of nuclear nonproliferation said the Russians could help teach Iranian scientists, quote, how to build a smaller, more complex bomb or a nuclear device that can fit inside an artillery shell. The official added that Iranian scientists could also learn a tremendous amount about how to refine their nuclear program by visiting Russian nuclear facilities, saying, quote, they could learn a lot in 24 hours. A long working weekend would give the Iranians a lot of ideas. In addition to Putin's summit with the Iranian president on Friday, the revelation comes as Tehran holds talks with the UK, Germany, and France, and Geneva this week regarding the nuclear program. Iran reportedly initiated the latest round of talks, seeking to lift sanctions

and resolve the long-standing nuclear impasse before Donald Trump has inaugurated this coming Monday. As part of their renewed push for diplomacy, ahead of Trump's return, the Iranians have reportedly offered to cap their nuclear enrichment program at 60% and allow inspectors with the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency back into the country. But given recent activity inside Iran and the new reports about their back-channeling efforts with Russia, many remain skeptical that Iran's commitment to resolving the issue is genuine. As Baker has discussed here before, Iran has increased their stores of uranium enriched to 60% purity 10-fold since August and are now in possession of enough nuclear material to produce roughly 12 nuclear weapons.

For context, uranium is considered weapons grade at 90% purity, and the leap from 60% to 90% can be done in a matter of days or most weeks by using advanced centrifuges. Just last week, the French president Macron warned that Iran's renewed pursuit of a bomb was near and quote the point of no return. The stakes couldn't be higher, and due to rising international concern, Trump is reportedly considering preemptive strikes against Iran's new. nuclear facilities as he returns to office on Monday. Coming here next, China's new amphibious assault barges spark concerns over Taiwan, and Israeli officials reveal the latest ceasefire deal with Hamas as optimism builds for peace.

Do you remember Trump said a couple times that if Hamas, you don't return all the hostages before I take office, all hell will break loose? That seems to have gotten their attention. We'll have those stories when we get back. Fox News is now streaming live on Fox One. When news breaks, we don't just report it. We go beyond the headlines to get the full story. Get live coverage, in-depth analysis, and perspectives from the voices you trust, all in one place.

Whether you're at home or on the go. Stay connected to the stories shaping our world. Stream Fox News on Fox One. Download today. Welcome back to the PDB. Mike Slater filling in for Mike Baker, shifting now to the Far East, where China is reportedly constructing a fleet of specialized amphibious assault barges sparking fresh concerns that its military is preparing for a potential invasion of Taiwan. According to naval news, at least five of these vessels are being built at a shipyard in southern China, and they have unique features that analysts say are tailored for amphibious

landings. Why would they need that? Check this out. Each barge is equipped with an extended road bridge that's 400 feet long. It's about the length of a football field and capable of reaching coastal roads or firm ground beyond a beach. The design allows tanks, trucks, and other heavy equipment to be offloaded directly onto shorelines.

These barges also feature stabilizing jackup pillars for operation in poor weather conditions effectively functioning as mobile peers for military logistics. Defense analysts have drawn parallels between these vessels and the Mulberry harbors

used by Allied forces during the D-Day invasion of World War II. Like those, these barges are being constructed at remarkable speed with innovative design, suggesting their intended uses more than just civilian. Experts agree that their size and configuration make them unsuitable for commercial purposes. Dr. Emma Salisbury, a Seapower Research Fellow at the Council on Geostrategie, highlights the significance of these developments, said, quote, any invasion of Taiwan would require a large number of ships

to transport personnel and equipment across the strait, particularly land assets like armored vehicles. These barges, along with China's growing fleet of roll-on-roll-off ferries designed for dual civilian and military use, indicated deliberate effort to enhance China's amphibious assault capabilities. Traditionally, Taiwan has relied on its natural geography and limited beach landing sites for defense, but the reach of these new barges could change that equation. With their ability to operate on rocky or soft beaches and deliver equipment to previously inaccessible areas, they offer the Chinese military new landing options. This complicates Taiwan's defense strategies and allows Beijing to bypass heavily defended ports. Now, these developments don't

confirm an imminent invasion. They do underline Beijing's effort to keep the option on the table, whether it's a leverage tool or a real possibility. For Taiwan and its allies, the message is clear. The threat is evolving, and so must the defenses. Shifting now to our continuing coverage of the Israel-Amas ceasefire negotiations, top-level talks are reportedly being held in Doha this morning, iron out the final details of the deal. Last night, we'd be beginning. began learning the contours of this potential deal. Among the most pivotal elements, Hamas is poised to release 33 humanitarian hostages. High-profile Palestinian prisoners remain off the table, and Israel plans to establish a new buffer

zone inside Gaza. Israel is reportedly in the advanced stages of negotiations with Hamas, with mediation from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., and while the deal is not finalized, Israeli officials credit President-elect Donald Trump's hardline rhetoric and threats for pushing Hamas towards negotiations. The threat was something like, if you don't release all the hostages by January 20th, all hell will break loose. We'll see, but that seems to have been an effective approach. The proposed ceasefire's first phase hinges on Hamas releasing 33 humanitarian hostages.

So that means children, women, elderly, and the sick. It's important to note that if this phase succeeds over a 16-day period, negotiations for the second stage will shift towards the release of male soldiers, men of military age and the remains of deceased captives. On the other side of the equation, Israel will release a number of Palestinians being held by Israel. However, high-profile Palestinians remain excluded from the release, as do individuals linked to the 7 October 23 terror attacks. A Saudi news outlet on Monday reported Israel floated a list of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who are eligible for exchange.

The potential agreement also outlines broader territorial adjustments. Israel will, withdraw from most areas of Gaza while fortifying its border security with new buffer zones. And strategic points along the Gaza-Egypt border will remain under Israeli control, enabling security oversight while allowing civilian movement within Gaza. The officials confirm Israel will not completely withdraw from Gaza until the war's goals are achieved, which is the return of all hostages. While there's hope in Gaza for a ceasefire to the north, the truth between Israel and Hezbollah continued to show signs of frang as the IDF Israeli defense forces carried out air strikes targeting the

Iran-backed terror group in Lebanon. The strikes from Israel targeted rocket launchers, a terrorist military site, and weapon smuggling routes along the Syria-Lebanon border. Lebanon's state-run national news agency confirmed the strikes, but did not provide casualty details. The IDF defended its actions, stating that prior warnings of Hezbollah violations have gone unaddressed by the international mechanism overseeing the ceasefire. The truce in effect since late November now teeters on the brink of collapse. Lebanon's prime minister pledged to disarm Hezbollah in the south, while the country's newly elected president vowed to establish state authority over the region.

Despite these commitments, reports from the Khan, public broadcaster reveal Hezbollah continues to conceal weapons, including mortars and anti-tank missiles in areas under IDF control. Under the terms of this ceasefire from late November, Hezbollah is expected to withdraw north to the Latani River by 26 January. anywhere while Israeli forces must vacate southern Lebanon. This withdrawal would leave the area under the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN interim force in Lebanon. However, Israeli officials warn its exit may be delayed if these conditions are not met. Coming up in the back of the brief, Los Angeles officials cracked down on looters amid wildfires,

including suspects caught impersonating firefighters. More on that when we come back. This is Euphoria Calvin Klein, the new Elixir Collection, featuring three perfume intense scents, inspired by a unique orchid accord, paired with vanilla, each with its own distinct attitude, each with its own universe, bold elixir, sensual, woody, addictive, magnetic elixir, sweet and romantic like a lingering touch, solar elixir, a radiant expression of joy, ultra-concentrated for amplified impact and lasting power. Find your euphoria. Discover the euphoria elixir collection by Calvin Klein. Thanks, yours too. What does RAV stand for anyway? To me, it's the remarkably advanced vehicle. Really? To me, it's the runway approved vehicle for its amazing style. What about remarkably adaptable vehicle because of its versatile cargo space?

Or really admired vehicle? Oh, or really awesome vehicle. It really is the recreational activity vehicle. The stylish 2026 Toyota Rav4 Limited. What's your Rav for? I'm Mike Slater filling in for Mike Baker. in today's back of the brief, the latest from Los Angeles. A growing force of firefighters and equipment deployed across the county

came as high winds threatened to further fuel wildfires that have devastated thousands of homes and claimed dozens of lives. The region braces for its most dangerous day today, with winds expected to peak at 65 miles per hour, complicating the limited containment efforts from over the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued severe fire warnings through Wednesday. The county is now a flashpoint in a coordinated emergency response drawing resources from across California, nine other states, even Canada and Mexico,

nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and over 14,000 firefighters battled the infernos. The Los Angeles County Fire Chief emphasized the improved readiness, including pre-positioned firefighting aircraft and dozens of water trucks stationed along parched brush-covered hillsides to replenish supplies after the hydrants ran dry last week. The chief said, quote, we're absolutely better prepared. for what's coming. However, he warned that the powerful Santa Ana winds could ground planes and disrupt operations as they did last week. In just seven days, four major fires engulfed over 62 square miles of Los Angeles County. That's triple the size of Manhattan. Capturing the headlines are the

Eaton fire near Pasadena, which is one-third contained in the Palisades fire in the affluent Pacific Palisades area where containment lags at just 14%. On this Palisades fire, if you're familiar with the area, it just has to go over a few more ravines and then could jump the 405. If it jumps the 405 highway, the next neighborhood to catch on fire is Belair. UCLA and then Beverly Hills. Firefighters, of course, doing everything they can to prevent it from jumping over the highway. The LA County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the death toll rose to 24 as of Sunday with dozens still missing. Evacuation orders remain in effect for nearly 100,000 residents, including on the other side of the 405.

The crisis has also seen a troubling surge of opportunistic crime. The sheriff reported 29 arrests for looting in fire-affected zones, including 25 near the Eaton fire and four in Pacific Palisades. One suspect disguised himself as a firefighter. The sheriff told reporters, quote, when I was out there in Malibu, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter, and I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs. While firefighting crews have made modest gains, the scale of destruction and the ferocity,

the winds threatened to undo that progress, setting the stage for an ongoing battle to safeguard lives and property. And that is the president's daily brief for Tuesday, 14 January. I'm no Mike Baker, but I hope you still feel informed and caught up. If you have any questions that you'd like to send to me, same address. P.D.B. at thefirsttv.com. Baker's people will get that to me if you'd like. To listen to this show ad-free, you become a premium member of the president's daily brief going to pdb premium.com. You can also reach me directly on Slater Radio on Twitter and Instagram.

I'm Mike Slater. I'll be back later today with the PDB afternoon bulletin. Until then, stay informed. Stay safe. Stay cool. Some follow the noise. Bloomberg follows the money. Whether it's the funds fueling AI or crypto's trillion dollar swings.

There's a money side to every story. Get the money side of the story. Subscribe now at Bloomberg.com.