Mike Baker

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I'm Mike Baker, and I'll be back later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin.

Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.

It's Wednesday, the 21st of January.

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, we've been closely tracking a growing U.S.

military buildup in the Middle East.

And now, well, we're getting clarification of sorts on why it's happening, as President Trump reportedly presses his generals for, quote, decisive action against Iran.

I'll have the details.

Later in the show, another Venezuelan oil tanker is intercepted, marking the seventh seizure as Washington escalates enforcement of sanctions on Caracas.

But first, today's afternoon spotlight.

For days now, we've been closely watching a steady and deliberate U.S.

military buildup across the Middle East, aircraft and naval assets moving into the region, missile defenses being reinforced.

At the time, the administration said little about what those moves ultimately signaled.

Now, new reporting suggests the picture is coming into focus.

According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump is pressing his national security team for what he's repeatedly described as, quote, decisive military options against Iran.