PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
This comes after the president seemed to pull back from ordering strikes just last week, even as Iran's regime continues a sweeping crackdown on protesters at home.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
Administration officials say Trump has used the word decisive again and again in internal discussions, an indication that he's not interested in just symbolic or limited action.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
That phrasing has reportedly pushed Pentagon planners and White House advisers to refine a wide range of military options, from a more constrained strike against Iranian military infrastructure to broader actions.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
An aircraft carrier group is now en route toward the Persian Gulf, bringing with it a full complement, of course, of strike aircraft and destroyers and electronic warfare capabilities.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
Additional air and missile defenses are being moved into place, including Patriot and THAAD systems designed to blunt any possible Iranian retaliation against U.S.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
They also played a key role last year in intercepting Iranian drones during a large-scale attack against Israel, highlighting their importance in regional air defense as well as offensive operations.
PDB Afternoon Bulletin | January 21st, 2026: Trump Preparing For 'Decisive' Action Against Iran & Another Russian Tanker Seized
While early figures place the death toll in the low thousands, American officials say assessments from international organizations point to numbers that could reach as high as 18,000.