CENTCOM Gets Ready to Strike Iran Again | Mike Drop Newsroom

0:01 [SPEAKER_00]: Suntcom is finalizing preparations to restart major operations against Iran, and the president says will know, quote, soon enough, Axios reported citing U.S. official that U.S. central command is finalizing preparations for a possible return to major operations against Iran, but has no new order to go yet. [SPEAKER_00]: According to Fox News and Axios, President Trump met with his national security team Wednesday and again on Thursday. [SPEAKER_00]: In the Oval Office Trump said, quote, I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I will have to. [SPEAKER_00]: He'll know soon enough, in quote, Fox News reported that officials pointed to a November 9th new moon as favorable for operations.

0:43 [SPEAKER_00]: That's not an announced date, and we're just a data point. [SPEAKER_00]: Earlier this week, US officials told CBS news that the US carried out limited defensive strikes on Iran's Keshem Island after the IRGC [SPEAKER_00]: Lastly, ABC News reported that Iran's Supreme Leader warned Iran's response will take on a much larger dimension if these transgressions are repeated. [SPEAKER_00]: Why does this matter? [SPEAKER_00]: Well, we've seen a draw up towards more strikes and kind of a resumed campaign. [SPEAKER_00]: Where the November 9th date, I think, is significant is that that new moon is, and this is certainly no secret.

1:29 [SPEAKER_00]: military operations will either start commence or ramp up because it's the best night darkness wise and so you know that that having kind of a driving force coupled with the fact that the USS Roosevelt is on its way from the South China Sea headed towards the Gulf and expects to get there mid-November whether or not they get there by the ninth remains to be seen sounds like they'll be a [SPEAKER_00]: You know, I would suspect that they'll continue to try to talk between now and the ninth and maybe the ninth through the 15th or whenever the Roosevelt gets there, you'll see a ramp up in terms of negotiating power on our end and kind of drawing a line in the sand.

2:18 [SPEAKER_00]: Unfortunately with December 11th being the date that Congress dictates whether or not any more money can be spent. [SPEAKER_00]: is probably going to drive the fact that this last new moon prior to that date is kind of the the window of time that if it can happen, that's when it's going to happen. [SPEAKER_00]: So [SPEAKER_00]: finalizing preparations, how that differs from just staying ready is actually getting target packages running through rehearsals for specific missions or target packages and really refining and kind of getting everything ready to be able to strike at a moment's notice. [SPEAKER_00]: So I have no doubt that all the troops in the region are on even higher alert and kind of running [SPEAKER_00]: and steps to get ready for the go ahead for resuming of strikes.

3:11 [SPEAKER_00]: There are still tankers burning in Hormuz as this is all taking place. [SPEAKER_00]: The water that the U.S. Navy ships are patrolling is getting more dangerous by the day. [SPEAKER_00]: Fox News reported that Iran's revolutionary guard said two tankers in a tugboat caught fire. [SPEAKER_00]: Of course, that's a ran-telling Fox News that, but ABC News reported that the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center or UKMTO said a tanker was struck by two unidentified projectiles about 50 nautical miles north of Qatar, late Wednesday, according to Fox UKMTO has reported [SPEAKER_00]: SENTCOM said U.S. forces are continuing to block aid of Iranian ports, CBS news reported that Iran's security chief said Iran's seven conditions must be met before the straight-of-port moves reopens.

4:03 [SPEAKER_00]: This is really the point of contention for all of the negotiations is that on the United States side, it's very new caveat in terms of what our ask is, the seven conditions that must [SPEAKER_00]: are what they're bringing to the table and that's really where the stalemate exists. [SPEAKER_00]: I think when you compound or couple that with the fact that we have the blockade in place, which is really controlling the traffic in and out, [SPEAKER_00]: But they also still have the ability to strike ships pretty much on a daily basis and in some instances multiple times a day that neither of us really completely control the streets both both sides have enough control to where the other side can't say we control it unfettered and and we're running the show you know so that that is really the the sticking point for where these negotiations.

5:00 [SPEAKER_00]: come from on the United States side, it's wanting to de-nuclearize the country on the Iranians side, they want components of a new program to remain in place, why I am hopeful that [SPEAKER_00]: ceasefire and Off ramp for this entire conflict can be met. [SPEAKER_00]: I don't see You know both sides really coming to terms between now and you know two weeks or maybe ten days from now Of that actually happening and the fact that that USS Roosevelt is on its way. [SPEAKER_00]: I think is pretty indicative that we're gonna be a ready and be probable You know in terms of [SPEAKER_00]: We'll see what happens over the next few days and we'll certainly keep you up to date, but you know, this new expeditionary unit and carrier group that's on its way is bringing a lot of air power to bear.

6:01 [SPEAKER_00]: F-35s are currently patrolling now and that's only going to be bolstered by the Roosevelt. [SPEAKER_00]: So it's probably an indicator that we are going to resume strikes and it is [SPEAKER_00]: Curious to ask you guys, do you think that that carrier coming is indicative of strikes? [SPEAKER_00]: Do you think that there is an off ramp? [SPEAKER_00]: Do you have any hope that the conditions can be met on both sides to avoid resuming strikes and kind of going full bore where they're unquestionably going to respond in whatever manner they can to inflict as much damage as possible. [SPEAKER_00]: Iran's nuclear offer in the Putin meeting kind of dovetailing onto the story and it's an interesting update is that well, you know, ships move in and out Iran is sending offers through Qatar and messages through Moscow.

6:54 [SPEAKER_00]: You know, Iran sending a nuclear proposal through Qatar while its security chief actually meets with Putin is an interesting prospect in that, you know, Russia's involvement in this negotiation. [SPEAKER_00]: I do think is significant in that, you know, headline-wise, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran sent a formal nuclear proposal to the U.S. through Qatar intermediaries. [SPEAKER_00]: The New York Times reported that Iran is reviewing, quote, concrete proposals on its nuclear program and a possible breakthrough installed talks. [SPEAKER_00]: We could only hope. [SPEAKER_00]: According to Fox News, further talks depend on Washington addressing Iran's seven demands, like we talked about and Reuters reported that Monson Resi met Vladimir Putin in Moscow with a message from Iran's Supreme Leader.

7:46 [SPEAKER_00]: Trump said that Iran's nuclear future is quote, they're not doing anything without our approval. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, this is really the track that decides. [SPEAKER_00]: whether or not U.S. strikes will resume or not. [SPEAKER_00]: And the fact that Putin is kind of an intermediary to a certain extent, I think, is interesting. [SPEAKER_00]: No trying to understand what skin in the game he has, obviously Iran is pretty closely allied with Russia. [SPEAKER_00]: They've been coordinating a lot of intelligence in terms of how when and why and their capability to attack us the way that they have is coming from Russia. [SPEAKER_00]: But I do think that it's significant that these proposals are actually being put forth by Iran.

8:32 [SPEAKER_00]: Historically, over the last couple of months, there hasn't been a lot of kind of preemptive or proactive effort or intention on their part to try to un-stall these negotiations. [SPEAKER_00]: I think that they realize that [SPEAKER_00]: This ramp up, especially after the election, is expedited and there's a high probability that it's going to happen again. [SPEAKER_00]: I don't think as tough as they talk, that they want to see a resume in strikes, but the fact that they're including Putin and actually having officials from Iran going to Russia and meeting with them, I think, is significant number one in [SPEAKER_00]: They're desired to want to try to get some negotiation or maybe it's buying time.

9:19 [SPEAKER_00]: It's hard to say, but there's an obvious concerted effort on their part and even Russia for that matter to come to some sort of agreement. [SPEAKER_00]: So I do think ultimately that that's encouraging, but it's also, I think, in some ways, also alarming and that [SPEAKER_00]: Russia's vested interest being so closely tied to Iran could prove to be further problematic for U.S. forces if strikes do resume for that involvement from Russia coming and being a significant capacity increase with Iran's ability to attack us in the region probably even better or more effectively than they have.

10:05 [SPEAKER_00]: I am hopeful that, you know, these negotiations can conclude and offer some sort of permanent ceasefire and de-escalation of the entire conflict in the region, but obviously the next week or so is going to be pretty telling and we'll certainly keep you updated. [SPEAKER_00]: In the same vein, Turkey is joining the Saudi Pakistan Defense Pack [SPEAKER_00]: You know, this has been interesting update. [SPEAKER_00]: Fox News reported that Turkey's parliament approved the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Thursday opening the door to troop deployments. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, imagine Turkey deploying troops to Saudi Arabia in this kind of joint pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to bolster their defense against primarily the Houthis, which are obviously a proxy of Iran.

10:56 [SPEAKER_00]: Al Jazeera reported in October that Turkey had sent the pack to Parliament and Parliamentary Committee approved it before Thursday's vote. [SPEAKER_00]: A Turkish soldier was killed October 31st by fire. [SPEAKER_00]: The Turkish Defense Ministry assessed that it came from Iran. [SPEAKER_00]: So Iran is a bit of a thorn in the side to say at least for all countries. [SPEAKER_00]: I think it's encouraging and also telling to see Turkey now getting involved. [SPEAKER_00]: to come to the aid of Saudi Arabia. [SPEAKER_00]: Historically, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been at odds for decades. [SPEAKER_00]: The interesting part here is that when you're seeing Turkey [SPEAKER_00]: obviously Jordan and other Gulf states coming to the aid of Saudi Arabia, but you've got UK forces, France, military units, and now Turkey is joining the fight.

11:51 [SPEAKER_00]: That is a pretty significant bolstering of a coalition to go against Iran, which further [SPEAKER_00]: really throughout the entire region. [SPEAKER_00]: They've isolated themselves when they started attacking Gulf states during our air campaign. [SPEAKER_00]: I think further highlights the entire region essentially stepping up to the plate to a certain extent and really trying to combat the problem and threat that they pose in the region. [SPEAKER_00]: Keep in mind Turkey is a NATO ally for them to pledge [SPEAKER_00]: to defend Saudi Arabia and a pact without the United States involvement in this pact, that could draw Turkey into the Iran war and because they're a NATO power, it could draw all of NATO into it.

12:46 [SPEAKER_00]: If Iran strikes Turkey and joins fighting them, should these strikes resume, that could be an enormous game change or globally really when you're now attacking a NATO force [SPEAKER_00]: and the historic banding together of NATO forces when one attack, one is attacked all of them respond. [SPEAKER_00]: So I do think that that's a pretty significant update in that, you know, their involvement now, I think is a bit of a political shift for Iran taking on even more, maybe then they can bark or that they have bargained for.

13:26 [SPEAKER_00]: I think you may see that actually impact negotiations even further because if that does escalate to a point where they attack Turkish forces, that could change the entire metric and dynamic in the region, because again, this pact has no U.S. involvement, so there is the component [SPEAKER_00]: of looking at it from, you know, are they trying to box the United States out or is there an intentional separation or kind of avoidance of conflict of interest in a way in that they've obviously already attacked the United States over and over if they started attacking a NATO force or a NATO ally rather in Turkey than, you know, that could be significant in terms of the big picture.

14:13 [SPEAKER_00]: So, [SPEAKER_00]: Well, we'll see what happens with that. [SPEAKER_00]: The hoothies have continued to upgrade and intensify their attacks on Saudi Arabia, so if Turkey gets involved, that could change a lot of things. [SPEAKER_00]: National policy wise, he exists $350 billion asking the impeachment push. [SPEAKER_00]: The man running the Pentagon is now asking for more money from Congress. [SPEAKER_00]: Fox News reported that the war secretary Pete Higgs-Earth urged Congress to approve at least $350 billion in defense funding and pushed back on a democratic impeachment push New York Times reported that Higgs-Earth who faces likely impeachment effort in the next Congress released a video defending his tenure.

14:56 [SPEAKER_00]: I saw that on social media yesterday, according to the Times and Wall Street Journal Democrats won the Senate majority. [SPEAKER_00]: with more than 250 seats in Tuesdays mid-terms and Heggseth, you know, bringing us 350 billion dollar request, I think is pretty telling in that, you know, he knows and the current administration knows that between now and maybe even November 9th when we're 11th rather when Massey has talked about bringing impeachment articles against Heggseth, pretty much as soon [SPEAKER_00]: money runs out essentially and that's when the new, you know, bill for spending would, as it relates to Iran would come to the legislature and they would have to vote on it and either approve or deny it.

15:48 [SPEAKER_00]: The $350 billion figure is enormous. [SPEAKER_00]: You know, if you think about that for a second, that amount of money compared to say, you know, what we've [SPEAKER_00]: given to Ukraine over the last four or five years, coupled with the 47 or upwards of 50 billion that we've already spent in Iran now you're talking $400 billion. [SPEAKER_00]: That is an obvious significant amount of money and the fact that he's asking for that much right now. [SPEAKER_00]: I think is pretty telling and that trying to squeeze in as much funding as possible and get enough funding [SPEAKER_00]: to extend the conflict in Iran, you know, really for the next two years while there's a lame dot congress and there's, I think, an obvious incentive for the current administration to want to get enough money in the coffers to be able to continue what they're doing without having to ask the new congress, which is unequivocally going to deny that being overwhelmingly [SPEAKER_00]: I think pretty transparent or you can understand why they're doing what they're doing.

16:56 [SPEAKER_00]: But when I take a step back and look at that amount of money for what we're getting out of it, coupled with putting all of our troops in danger for months and months on end for this stated goal of the denuclearization of Iran. [SPEAKER_00]: I do find it difficult to justify that amount of money and risk to our troops for that objective generally speaking, but curious to get your guys's take if that amount of money and the troops that we've lost and potentially could or will lose should the strikes resume. [SPEAKER_00]: Is that worth keeping them from having a nuke? [SPEAKER_00]: Is it even a guarantee that it's going to keep them from having a nuke?

17:38 [SPEAKER_00]: I think one of the problems with [SPEAKER_00]: the communication from the White House, you know, as it relates to Iran and frankly, a host of matters, but specific to Iran is that, you know, stating that the goal of they can't have a nuke, what does that actually look like? [SPEAKER_00]: How do you ensure or guarantee that what we've done or will do will actually guarantee that? [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know how you do that. [SPEAKER_00]: I wish that they would [SPEAKER_00]: Communicate that clearly and give some kind of state of state of objectives of, hey, this is what success looks like, here are objectives. [SPEAKER_00]: If we meet, you know, however many out of, however many, we consider that a success and can, you know, essentially guarantee that they don't have nuclear capacity.

18:28 [SPEAKER_00]: I think that that's an important transparency piece to get buy in from the existing [SPEAKER_00]: The Iran war was a big component. [SPEAKER_00]: I mean, exit polls from the election results on Tuesday, stated it was a 74% or 74% of voters said that it was a major impact on their voting decision. [SPEAKER_00]: I think that you have to look at that. [SPEAKER_00]: And the fact that it seems like the current administration was that blindsided by it is kind of surprising. [SPEAKER_00]: The $350 billion request, I'd love to get your guys to take on it, is it worth it?

19:12 [SPEAKER_00]: Do you see it passing? [SPEAKER_00]: What does Congress do, and ultimately is that going to lead to the guarantee of no nukes? [SPEAKER_00]: I have a hard time believing that, and given the state of where the country is at, it is difficult to justify that amount of money on top of the almost 50 billion already spent [SPEAKER_00]: to achieve a goal that hasn't really been clearly stated, you know, and frankly, doesn't seem very clear cut in terms of what the bullet point single objectives are to achieve that. [SPEAKER_00]: Lastly, nationally, Newsome Empty's death row, California governor, who's expected to run for president, commuted the sentence of every prisoner condemned to death, to life without parole.

20:03 [SPEAKER_00]: You know, this has been on the in the media and this is from the New York Times heart or hard copy this morning, but, you know, I'm curious to get your guys to take on a governor's, I guess power and an authority to be able to decide something like that unilaterally. [SPEAKER_00]: I have mixed feelings on the death penalty, I think that there are for sure instances where it is warranted. [SPEAKER_00]: you know, whether or not it's biblically justified, morally justified, irrespective of whether or not you believe in any higher power. [SPEAKER_00]: It is a complex issue in terms of the I for an I, you know, type of philosophy.

20:48 [SPEAKER_00]: But what I do think is a problem is, is a governor having the authority to just commute over 500 death sentences. [SPEAKER_00]: with the stroke of a pen. [SPEAKER_00]: From my perspective, I do think it makes more sense, and morally is kind of more just to put that to the people. [SPEAKER_00]: The death penalty has been in place since the 1850s in California. [SPEAKER_00]: There's been multiple votes in the last several decades where the people have been asked, from a majority standpoint, do you believe? [SPEAKER_00]: continue to think that the death penalty should be allowed in the state of California and has been a pretty resounding, yes.

21:33 [SPEAKER_00]: I think something like that should, there should be some sort of proposition put forward where people vote on it and you listen to the people and you don't just decide for the entire state what that state's policy is on that. [SPEAKER_00]: Curious to get your guys to take, A is it justified, B do you think a governor should be able to commute all of those sentence in one sweeping brush of a stroke? [SPEAKER_00]: Like I said, I don't think that's the case, but if you have a justification, I'd love to hear it. [SPEAKER_00]: Both of your headlines for today, obviously the next few days are going to be probably packed with a lot of details coming out and ramp up and, you know, just overall escalation of things as it relates to Iran, so we'll keep you posted, God bless everybody, and we'll see you tomorrow.