In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief: Iran’s posture hardens rapidly—refusing talks and escalating in the Strait of Hormuz—as new analysis points to a deeper divide within the regime’s hardline leadership. Moscow releases a list of European firms tied to Ukraine’s drone program, raising concerns they could become targets in Russia’s expanding conflict footprint. Japan continues its break from post-war pacifism, opening the door to expanded arms sales amid growing security threats from China. And in today’s Back of the Brief—the Pentagon unveils a record $1.5 trillion budget request, prioritizing missile defense, drones, and artificial intelligence.

Source: Iran’s Hardliners Are Turning Against Each Other