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Iranian Forces Launch Retaliatory Strikes Across Five Middle Eastern Countries

PBD Podcast · Lindsey Graham's Death, New Iran Strikes & Mamdani's Map Controversy | PBD Podcast #831 · July 13, 2026
Iranian Forces Launch Retaliatory Strikes Across Five Middle Eastern Countries
PBD Podcast
PBD Podcast
Lindsey Graham's Death, New Iran Strikes & Mamdani's Map Controversy | PBD Podcast #831
"At 5 PM, CENTCOM forces initiate massive retaliatory waves. Airstrikes strike 140 different targets across southern Iran, including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask. Targets including drone launch networks, missile sites, ammunition dumps and Revolutionary Guard naval vessels. Trump announced on national television, we bombed the hell out of them last night, signaling that the interim Diplomatic deal is effectively dead. Today, early this morning, Iranian state media acknowledges widespread domestic explosions response to the bombing. Tehran launched retaliatory strike targeting infrastructures inside Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman."
Following U.S. airstrikes on 140 Iranian targets after Iran attacked commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. Jordan and Kuwait successfully intercepted incoming missiles using U.S. defense technology. Trump declared the interim diplomatic deal effectively dead after announcing massive bombing campaigns, while oil markets showed 30% odds of major escalation.

About this episode

The PBD Podcast delivers a wide-ranging analysis of breaking news and cultural developments, hosted by Patrick Bet-David with co-hosts Adam Sosnick, Tom Ellsworth, and Vincent Oshana. The episode leads with the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham at 71, hours after returning from his tenth trip to Kiev, Ukraine and speaking with President Trump. Graham's passing triggered both tributes and celebrations, with Iranian state media and progressive figures like Margaret Cho posting inflammatory comments. The hosts examined Graham's complicated legacy, particularly his passionate defense of Brett Kavanaugh during Supreme Court hearings. International tensions dominate coverage as Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes across five Middle Eastern countries after U.S. forces bombed 140 Iranian targets following attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio deported a convicted child rapist pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, directly challenging state-level immigration interference. NYC Mayor Mamdani's scheduled meeting with Iran's UN ambassador was blocked by the State Department, raising concerns about unauthorized municipal foreign policy. A Brown University professor exposed widespread AI-assisted cheating when students who scored in the high 90s on take-home exams plummeted to the 50s on in-person tests, prompting University of Chicago Law School to ban all devices from classrooms. The episode covers World Cup semifinal tensions as England coach Thomas Tuchel publicly criticized his team despite defeating Norway, triggering a sharp response from star Jude Bellingham. CNBC faced criticism for ranking Texas and Tennessee among America's worst states despite both leading the nation in positive migration. UFC star Conor McGregor suffered a catastrophic leg injury seconds into his return fight and delivered an explicit Christian testimony in post-fight interviews. The hosts examine leadership development strategies used by Chipotle's CEO and critique Gavin Newsom's claims about California's role in Elon Musk's success.

Key takeaways

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