The President's Daily Brief - PDB Afternoon Bulletin | February 9th, 2025: Iran Threatens New Missile Barrage & Venezuela Rearrests Top Opposition Figure

Episode Date: February 9, 2026

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: Iran issues a threat of missile strikes across the Middle East, betting its arsenal can deter U.S. military action. We break down what’s real, what’s rhetoric, and how the White House is weighing its next move as American forces and bases remain in range. A mixed message out of Venezuela as the interim government releases dozens of political prisoners, only to rearrest one of its most prominent opposition figures hours later. We explain why the reversal is raising fresh doubts about whether meaningful reform is actually taking hold. 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 Cardiff: Get fast business funding without bank delays—apply in minutes with Cardiff and access up to $500,000 in same‑day funding at https://Cardiff.co/PDB  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  StopBox: Get firearm security redesigned and save 15% off @StopBoxUSA with code BAKER at https://www.stopboxusa.com/BAKER#stopboxpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Own it all. Pay off your home, travel for life, drive a Ferrari. In celebration of the world premiere of the Monopoly Big Board Buckslot Machine by Aristocrat Gaming, Yamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel is giving one person a $1.6 million dream package. The biggest prize in Yamava's history. Club Serrano members can earn daily instant prizes and secure a spot in the finale May 29th.

Don't pass go and own it all. Only at Yamava, celebrating its 40th anniversary. You win? Details at yamava.com must be 21-20. Please gamble responsibly. Monopoly is a trademark of Hasbro. Hasbro is not a sponsor of this promotion. It's Monday, the 9th 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, Iran issues a threat of missile strikes across the region, betting its arsenal can deter U.S. military action. Their belligerent attitude might, and I'm just saying might, be the result of getting away with their crackdown without any real response from the international community. Regardless, we'll walk through what's real, what's rhetoric, and how the White House is weighing its next move. Later in the show, a mixed message out of Venezuela, as prisoner releases are quickly followed by a troubling re-arrest. We'll explain why it's casting doubt on the government's reform push. But first, today's PDB spotlight. With the U.S. carrier group still parked at its doorstep,

Iran remains defiant, floating the threat of a missile barrage across the region, language clearly aimed at forcing President Trump toward a decision point in the Middle East. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Iraqi said that if the U.S. attacks Iran, Tehran would retaliate directly against U.S. military bases across the region, making clear that American forces, not just Israel, would be in the line of fire. He also flatly rejected U.S. demands to curb Iran's missile program, reiterating that missiles are not negotiable under any circumstances. Now, this might sound like odd bluster from a weakened regime that's dealing with an economy

currently swirling on the toilet and an angry population, but it's the core of Iran's deterrent strategy. Right now, it's the strongest card the regime believes it has left to play. Iran's missile program was built out of weakness decades ago when the country lacked a credible air force and faced regional isolation. Today, those missiles have become the backbone of Iran's military posture. Thousands of short and mid-range systems give Tehran the ability to target Israel, the U.S. forces in the Gulf, shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, and critical infrastructure across the region.

We saw a preview of this last summer when Iran launched hundreds of missiles toward Israel during the 12-day war. The strikes caused limited strategic damage, but that's not the lesson Iranian commanders took away. What mattered was that over time, more missiles slipped past Israeli and American defenses. From Tehran's perspective, that proves something important. Missile saturation could work. Now, Iran is betting that their arsenal is enough to deter Washington. If U.S. planners can't be sure how many missiles get through, or how many bases are hit, or how allies respond, well, the cost of action could rise quickly.

According to reporting from the Wall Street Journal, that calculus may already be influencing events. President Trump reportedly delayed a planned strike earlier this year after being advised that the U.S. lacked sufficient forces in the region to carry out a decisive blow while also managing Iranian retaliation. Tehran noticed, and in the regime's view, missile deterrence worked. That's why missile restrictions have become a redline in negotiations. Washington wants the Iran's missile program on the table, alongside nuclear enrichment and support for regional militias. Tehran has refused outright. From Iran's perspective, giving up missiles would mean admitting vulnerability, something the regime believes could invite, not prevent an attack.

Israel is also pressing the issue. Its leaders have made clear that any agreement, leaving Iran's missile arsenal intact, would be dangerously incomplete. That adds another layer of pressure, as Trump weighs his options. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reinforcing missile defenses across the region, moving assets to protect U.S. forces and allied states. That's defensive, but it also signals just how seriously the threat is being taken. Here's the risk. Deterrence based on ambiguity cuts both ways. The more Iran advertises its missile threat, the more pressure it puts on the U.S. and Israel

to act before those missiles are used. What Tehran sees as leverage, Washington may see, as an invitation to action. Iran isn't looking for a war. The Mullahs and their IRGC are maniacal, but they're not stupid. They know they can't win. Rather, the regime is trying to bluff its way out of wood. But history shows that deterrent strategies built on threat escalation can misfire, especially when both sides believe the time is working against them. For President Trump, the decision window appears to be closing, negotiate under the threat of Iran's missiles and bluster,

essentially bending to the regime's demands for what and how to negotiate, or engage in decisive action. It's complex, obviously. That's my statement of the obvious award for today. and there are reasons to be wary of what might follow military strikes against the regime. But I suspect that, if given a vote, the Iranian protesters, and the families and friends of those killed and detained by their government, would cast a vote for action from the international community. All right. Coming up next, questions swirl in Venezuela after a high-profile opposition leader is redetained just hours after being freed. More on that when we come back.

Hey, Mike Baker here, with an important message for every small business out there. Now, small businesses face an uphill battle with big banks, right? Where getting a loan means endless paperwork and delays. But for bank rates without the weight, you can go to cardiff.co slash PDB for up to $500,000 in funding. Their application takes less than five minutes, has no impact on personal credit, and approvals happen in minutes, with same-day funding. It's the fastest way to get the capital you need to keep your business moving forward. Many banks try to lock out small businesses, but Cardiff, well, Cardiff has the key. Cardiff wants to approve your business loan. If you've been in business for at least a year and are pulling in $20,000 a month in revenue, apply now for up to

$500,000 in same-day business funding at Cardiff.co slash PDB. Again, that's cardiff.com.com slash PDB. Real growth, fast funding. That's Cardiff. Mike Baker here. With an important from the folks at Trust and Will. Look, no one likes to talk about dying, but the reality is creating an estate plan is incredibly important, not to mention it can give you and your family tremendous peace of mind. With Trust and Will, you can create a plan 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 the attorneys in your state. Now, you may say to yourself, hmm, I don't think of it. I don't think

I have enough assets to warrant a will or trust, but honestly, everyone has something to leave behind. Trust and will was created by legal experts and is tailored and designed just for you. And trust and will comes with 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. How many discounts does USAA auto insurance offer?

Too many to say here. Multi-vehicle discount. Safe driver discount. New vehicle discount. Storage discount. Legacy. How many discounts will you stack up? Tap the banner or visit usa.com slash auto discounts. Restrictions apply. 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. Welcome back to the PDB afternoon bulletin. A troubling sign out of Venezuela that's casting doubt on the interim government's efforts to reform. Over the weekend, Venezuelan authorities quietly released at least 35 political prisoners in what initially appeared to be another significant step away from years of repression under the former regime. But within our hour, That narrative began to unravel.

One of the most prominent opposition figures among those freed, Juan Pablo Guanipa, was reportedly taken back into custody by armed men operating in civilian clothes. As of this morning, his precise whereabouts remain unclear. Gwynipa is a longtime opposition figure and former member of Venezuela's National Assembly who's been in the government's crosshairs for years. He was detained in May of last year on accusations tied to an alleged plot against the state, charges that his supporters say were politically motivated, and he spent roughly eight months in custody before his brief release. And now, his sudden re-arrest has become a flashpoint, raising uncomfortable

questions about whether Venezuela's interim government is genuinely reforming or simply managing optics. According to family members and opposition leaders, a group of roughly 10 armed men arrived in multiple vehicles and forcibly removed Guanipa just hours after he walked free from prison. The government later acknowledged the re-arrest, with Venezuela's public ministry, saying it had asked a court to revoke Winipa's release due to alleged noncompliance with court-imposed conditions. Officials didn't specify what those conditions were, instead stating that house arrest was being sought to, quote, safeguard the criminal proceedings. The timing and lack of detail has only deepened skepticism. This episode matters well beyond one opposition figure. Since the U.S. captured former

strongman Nicholas Maduro last month, interim leader Delci Rodriguez has moved quickly to reposition Venezuela on the world stage. She signaled cooperation with Washington, redirected oil exports toward the U.S., and promised to shudder the most notorious of their prisons. She's also floated the idea of a broad amnesty law and dismissed some officials viewed as loyal to Maduro. But the Guineba episode suggests the interim government may not fully control the country's security apparatus. Analysts note that the arrest appeared to precede the legal justification. It's a familiar pattern in authoritarian systems where security services act first and courts follow later. If that's the case, it points to internal divisions and possible resistance from hardline factions

unsettled by Rodriguez's pivot toward reform and closer ties with the U.S. The broader prisoner release was real, and for families of those freed, it was meaningful. Rights groups estimate more than 600 political prisoners remain detained, but even a partial release represents relief after years of arbitrary arrests and disappearances and abuse. Still, the re-arrest of a high-profile figure like Guanipa risks chilling any sense that Venezuela has actually entered a new phase. For Washington, this creates a dilemma. The interim government appears eager to demonstrate progress just sufficient to maintain U.S. support and economic engagement, while avoiding changes that could weak in its grip on power. The question now is whether Rodriguez can impose discipline on the security

forces or whether the old system is simply reasserting itself under new leadership. And that, my friends, is the PDB afternoon bulletin from Monday, the 9th 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, just become a premium member of the president's daily brief by visiting PDB premium.com. It really is that simple. I'm Mike Baker, and I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, stay informed. Stay safe. Stay cool. Hey, Mike Baker here with an important tip for home safety. If you own a handgun, this message is for you. Look, handgun owners know that often your weapon storage options likely fall into two frustrating categories, right, locked away and out of reach or unsecured and vulnerable. Neither, of course,

is acceptable. And that's where Stopbox comes in. Stopbox, you USA solved this with the Stopbox Pro. It's a mechanical keyless safe that offers fast, secure access without batteries or keys. Its push-button locking system ensures reliability when every second counts. The Stopbox Pro drastically reduces response time while keeping your firearm protected and stored securely. With Stopbox USA, you no longer have to choose between security and readiness. The Stopbox Pro delivers both, efficiently, reliably, and without compromise. For a limited time, listeners get 15% off at Stopbox when you use the code Baker at checkout that's B-A-K-E-R, just like it sounds. Head on over to StopboxUSA.com and use code Baker for 15% off your entire order.

After your purchase, well, they'll ask you what you heard about them. Do me a favor. Tell them the PDB sent you. Ryan Reynolds here from MintMobil, the 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.

Up front 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.