The President's Daily Brief - PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 19th, 2026: Russia & China Move Warships Into Iranian Waters & Prince Andrew Arrested

Episode Date: February 19, 2026

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Russian, Chinese, and Iranian warships launch “surprise” joint naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz — including live-fire exercises that temporarily shut down portions of one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.  A bombshell out of Britain. Former Prince Andrew has reportedly been arrested over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released U.S. Justice Department documents are said to contain communications that could carry national security implications for the United Kingdom. We break down what’s known so far. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President’s Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Trust & Will: Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated—create your will or trust online in minutes with Trust & Will and get 20% off at https://trustandwill.com/PDB  Ultra Pouches: Don’t sleep on @ultrapouches. New customers get 15% Off with code PDB at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Sundays for Dogs: Upgrade your dog’s food without the hassle—try Sundays for Dogs and get 50% off your first order at https://sundaysfordogs.com/PDB50 or use code PDB50 at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USAA knows dynamic duos can save the day, like superheroes and sidekicks or auto and home insurance. With USAA, you can bundle your auto and home and save up to 10%. Tap the banner to learn more and get a quote at USAA.com slash bundle. Restrictions apply. It's Thursday, the 19th of February. Welcome to the PDB afternoon bulletin. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right.

Let's get briefed. First up, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian warships launch. what they referred to as surprise drills in the Strait of Hormuz, even as the U.S. surges, carriers, destroyers, and fighter jets into the region. I'll have the details. Later in the show, a bombshell out of Britain, former Prince Andrew, now known as just Andrew Mountbatten, Windsor, has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office.

It's more fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case. But first, today's afternoon spotlight. This morning, we reported that sources are saying a U.S. operation against Iran could be imminent, possibly a matter of weeks or even days. Now in the category of nothing happens in a bubble, things are getting a bit more complicated. Russian, Chinese, and Iranian warships are now conducting what's being described as a surprise joint naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically sensitive waterways on the planet. According to regional and international reporting, vessels from all three countries have gathered near the Iranian port of Banda Abbas, ahead of coordinated

drills. Now, admittedly, this three-country gathering or gaggle isn't new. The exercises are part of what has previously been branded the quote maritime security belt series, trilateral naval maneuvers that Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran have conducted in past years. But this latest round comes at a particularly tense moment. A bit of context here is always helpful. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime choke point linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Roughly 20 percent, ooh, that would be one-fifth of the world's traded oil, passes through it each day. Any disruption there could have immediate implications for global energy markets. Iranian state media says the drills are focused on enhancing maritime security, improving coordination among participating navies,

and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping. The Mullahs are all about ensuring the safety of commercial shipping. The drills include coordinated surface maneuvers and tactical exercises designed to improve interoperability between the three forces. Russian naval units have arrived in Bandaar Abbas in recent days, while Chinese naval assets are also participating. Iranian naval forces, including elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, are operating in the exercise.

area. As we reported earlier this week, live fire drills temporarily shut down parts of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. Again, while trilateral drills between the three countries are not unprecedented, the timing is again notable. The exercises are unfolding as the U.S. significantly increases its military footprint in the region. The U.S. presence now includes two aircraft carriers, roughly a dozen more ships, hundreds of fighter aircraft, and multiple air defense systems positioned across the Middle East. Three additional destroyers, the USS Mitcher, the USS McFall, and USS Pinckney are operating in the Arabian Sea, having arrived in the region in recent days. Axios reports that more than 150 U.S. military cargo flights have transported weapon systems and ammunition into the theater

in recent weeks. And in just past 24 hours, another 50 fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, have moved toward the region. At the same time, Washington continues to apply pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program, its ballistic missile program, and regional activities. Against that backdrop, the naval drills in the strait of Hormuz carry strategic significance. Even if framed as routine or defensive, the presence of Russian and Chinese warships operating alongside Iran in this narrow corridor is an attempt by Iran to send a message that they're not isolated. Although it's also hard to ignore the message that was sent when neither Russia nor China provided any support to Iran during last year's 12-day war.

Conducting maritime drills is one thing. Getting involved in a direct military conflict in order to aid the Mullahs, well, that may be a bridge too far. For Moscow, which remains engaged in this war in Ukraine, and for Beijing, which continues to expand its naval reach globally, participation in these exercises underscores a willingness to operate together in sensitive waters traditionally dominated by the U.S. It goes without saying, although I am about to say it, that the proximity of multiple major powers, conducting operations in and around the same confined maritime space, increases the complexity of the environment. See, I told you it goes without saying.

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint for U.S.-Iran tensions. It's seen tanker seizures and drone shootdowns and naval standoffs in recent years. Now, with U.S. forces building up across the region, and Russian, Chinese, and Iranian ships maneuvering together in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, well, the margin for error appears to be shrinking. Coming up next, authorities in Britain reportedly arrest Prince Andrew, or the individual formerly known as Prince Andrew over alleged misconduct while acting as a UK trade envoy, as King Charles publicly supports what he calls a full and proper legal process.

And yes, it's all tied to the infamous Epstein files. More on that when we come back. Hey, Mike Baker here, let me take just a moment to talk about something very important, and that's planning for the future. Look, no one wants to talk about dying, right? but the reality is, creating an estate plan can provide you and your family with tremendous peace of mind. With trust and will, you can create one in as little as 30 minutes to protect guardianship of children, asset distribution, and health care directives.

Their online platform provides step-by-step guidance and offers optional one-on-one support from attorneys in your state. Okay, so maybe you think to yourself, not sure if you have enough assets to warrant a will or trust. Well, the truth is, everyone has something to leave behind. signed. Trust and will was created by legal experts and designed and tailored just for you. It's got bank level encryption, affordability, and amazing customer support. Don't wait until it's too late. Protect your loved ones today, tomorrow, and beyond with trust and will, the most trusted name in online estate planning. Go to trustinwill.com slash PDB and get 20% off. That's trust and will.com slash PDB to get 20% off. Again, trust and will.com slash PDB.

Mike Baker here. So, New Year, New You, right? Isn't that the saying? But, well, it's a new year, but what if you don't feel like a new you? You know what I'm talking about? What if you're not sleeping well? Or maybe recovery after work or workout is harder. Or maybe stress is just out of hand. Look, maybe you're trying to stay clear-headed, right, with caffeine or even stuff like nicotine pouches. But as you know, those mess with sleep and they raise cortisol levels. So I want to tell you about something different. Ultra pouches. And the reason they're different, well, they're completely nicotine and caffeine-free. They're packed with natural neutropics to give you steady, clean focus, smooth energy, and enhanced mental clarity. There's no buzz, there's no crash. There's none of those side effects that can spike your heart rate. Just better sleep and workouts in a calmer mind. Athletes, entrepreneurs, and engineers trust Ultra to keep them sharp. Ultra is the ultimate guilt-free pouch, delivering instant focus and mental clarity without nicotine or caffeine.

New customers can use code PDB to get 15% off at take ultra.com. That's takealtra.com for 15% off with code PDB. After you purchase, well, they'll ask where you heard about them. Do me a favor. Tell them the PDB sent you. Kayak gets my flight, hotel, and rental car right, so I can tune out travel advice that's just plain wrong. Bro, Skycoin, way better than points. Never fly during a Scorpio full moon.

Just tell the manager you'll sue. Instant room upgrade. Stop taking bad travel advice. Start comparing hundreds of sites with kayak. And get your trip right. Kayak. Got that right. The weekend hits and it's one thing.

My French toast. So I opened shipped for same-day delivery. Add the goods to my cart. Egg, cinnamon. Oh, the bread. So I need a shopper who can pick the best won't get squished in the bag kind of bread. With shipped, it's not just delivery.

It's shopped same day. in the same way you would. Use code savings to become a shipped member for half off only $49 at SHIPT.com slash offer. Terms apply. Welcome back to the PDB afternoon bulletin. For centuries, Britain's royal family has endured scandal, exile, even abdication. And for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the disgraced former prince, Andrew, his ties to Jeffrey Epstein have lingered as the latest palace controversy.

Today, net controversy crossed a new threshold when British police placed him under arrest. The Thames Valley Police said they arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office. That's an offense that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under UK law. I want to point out that while authorities did not formally name him, which is standard practice in Britain, the investigation centers on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly known again as Prince Andrew. He was stripped of his royal titles and duties last year, amid mounting fallout from the Epstein scandal and his conduct while serving as a UK trade envoy in 2010. And that detail matters. It's no longer about reputational damage. It's about whether while

acting in an official government role he may have improperly shared confidential government material with Jeffrey Epstein, of course the disgraced financier at the center of a sprawling sex trafficking scandal involving underage girls. Police searched two properties today, one in Berkshire, where Mountbatten, Windsor had been living, and another in Norfolk, at a residence on the Sandringham estate. Photographers captured what appears to be unmarked police vehicles arriving at the Norfolk property. As for the arrest, well, it's historic. It marks the first time in centuries that a senior member of Britain's royal family has been taken into custody. It's a stunning break with modern precedent.

King Charles, Andrew's older brother, responded personally and directly. In a verse statement, signed Charles R, the king said he learned of the arrest with, quote, deepest concern, adding that the law must take its course. Now, royal family stories often drift into tabloid territory. That's something we're not in the habit of covering here on the PDB. But this case carries potential national security implications for the UK, which is why we're paying attention. And to understand those implications, we should probably take a step back. In recent weeks, the U.S. Justice Department released another batch of Epstein-related materials, part of roughly three million pages of correspondence and documents and materials. Buried in those files is an email

that appears to show Mountbatten Windsor forwarding Epstein a confidential report from a special advisor regarding an official visit to Southeast Asia. As for why he was in communication with Epstein allegedly regarding private government documents, well, that's anyone's guess, but that potential breach of public trust underpins the suspicion of misconduct in public office. Now, consider who Jeffrey Epstein was. He cultivated relationships with powerful political, financial, and social figures, even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution. In 2019, he was arrested in New York on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls and later died in jail while awaiting trial. Some say by suicide, some say by suicide,

some dispute that version of events. Epstein's case exposed a vast network of elite associations and the ongoing investigation and document releases keep those connections in the spotlight. As for the timeline, Mountbatten Windsor said he first met Epstein in 1999 through Gilaen Maxwell, Epstein's then-girlfriend, a well-connected British socialite and daughter of the late media tycoon Robert Maxwell. In 2000, Maxwell and Epstein attended a 40th birth. birthday party for Mountbatten Windsor at Windsor Castle, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. From there, the meetings continued. In 2010, Mountbatten Windsor was photographed walking with Epstein in New York Central Park. It's an image that later became emblematic of the connection. The controversy deepened

after accusations from Virginia Jufre, who alleged in U.S. court filings that she was trafficked by Epstein to powerful associates, including Mount Batten Windsor, and forced to have sex with him when she was just 17 years old. In 2022, Mountbatten Windsor reached an out-of-court settlement with the Joufrey in New York for an undisclosed amount without admitting liability. He has consistently denied her allegations and any wrongdoing tied to Epstein. Now, Juffray died by apparent suicide last year, but her family responded to the arrest, saying, quote, today our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty, end quote. It's extraordinarily rare for a senior royal or someone who once held that status to face criminal

proceedings, let alone arrest. While history buffs know members of the royal houses were imprisoned during the Tudor and Stewart eras, well, those cases were essentially political. Modern Britain offers no real comparison. And the actions in the UK are in contrast to any apparent fallout in the U.S. from the Epstein case. British authorities have moved aggressively to assess potential criminal conduct emerging from the Epstein files. But in the U.S., well, not so much. The disclosures have produced headlines and some resignations,

but so far no arrests. And that, my friends, is the PDB afternoon bulletin for Thursday, the 19th of February. Now, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb at thefirsttv.com. And, of course, to listen to the show ad-free, it's very easy to do, just become a premium member of the president's daily brief

by visiting PDB Premium.com. I'm Mike Baker, and I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, stay informed. Stay safe. Stay cool. Hey, Mike Baker here, with a message for dog lovers. Now, if you're like me and my family, dogs are an important part of family life.

Look, we've got two of them. Our golden retriever Hendrix, he's a good boy, he's now in his 14th year, and Monty are very cute but somewhat dim-witted King Charles Spaniel. Now, as you probably know, When it comes to your dog food, there always seems to be a compromise, right? It's either fresh and healthy or it's easy to store and serve.

And that's why we love Sundays for Dogs. With the Sundays for Dogs brand, you get both, right? Fresh and healthy dog food, that's easy to store and serve. There's no compromise. Founded by veterinarian Dr. Torrey Waxman, Sundays is created with air-dried, real food, made in a human food-grade kitchen using the same ingredients that you do is to cook for your family. Every bite is clean, packed with real meat, fruit, and vegetables. There's no weird unpronounceable ingredients or fillers.

Compared to other brands, Sundays invests 50 times more in its ingredients for true premium quality. There's no cost cutting there. Just scoop and serve, no freezer, no thawing, no prep, no mess, no fuss, no must. Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to SundaysforDogs.com slash PDB50, then get 50% off your first order, or you can use code PDB50 at checkout. That's 50% off your first order at Sundaysfor Dogs.com slash PDB50. Again, Sundaysfor Dogs.com slash PDB50 or just use the code PDB50 at checkout.

Yamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel is California's number one entertainment destination for today's superstars. Catch the Jonas Brothers return to the Yamava Theater stage on April 30th, the powerful vocals of Demi Lovato on May 17th, and the signature Southern Country Rock of Eric Church. on July 19th. Tickets on sale now at Yamava Theater.com. Only at Yamava Resort and Casino, celebrating its 40th anniversary. You in? Must be 21 to enter.