Trump's Iran question

The Playbook Podcast

POLITICO

Politics, Government, Daily News, News

3.9 • 699 Ratings

🗓️ 23 February 2026

⏱️ 14 minutes

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Summary

The immense buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East has the world on edge waiting for a decision from President Donald Trump on whether he will take action against Iran. As negotiators discuss a potential nuclear agreement, Trump and his top aides have seemingly set this week as the critical stretch to reach a deal. But the prospect of a limited strike on the country remains. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns break down the latest signs from the White House and what might come next.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Health plans welcome reforms to strengthen Medicare Advantage.
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0:17.6	seniors and people with disabilities when they renew their Medicare Advantage
0:21.3	coverage in October 26. Learn more at a HIP.org.
0:31.9	Today on the Playbook podcast, All Eyes on Iran, is Donald Trump about to take the biggest
0:37.4	risk of his second term?
0:39.4	The fallout from Friday's tariff ruling continues and the USA wins gold in the men's ice hockey.
0:45.2	But who's celebrating in the locker room, Dasher? How are you doing?
0:49.3	I'm so glad to be back. Oh my gosh. I was knocked out last week, you guys. It was miserable. I'm so
0:56.6	sick of sixth season. I'm sick of winter. And this weather right now is not helping me get any better. Oh, by the way, it is Monday, February 23rd. It is Monday, February 2rd. And by the way, this is Jack Blanchard and that is Dasha Burns
1:10.2	and Dasha is back with us as you can hear
1:12.2	and so is the snow Dasha the snow is back
1:14.6	and you have It is Monday, February 2, 3rd, and by the way, this is Jack Blanchard. And that is Dasher Burns, and Dasher is back with us, as you can hear.
1:12.3	And so is the snow, Dasher.
1:13.6	The snow is back.
1:14.7	Are you happy?
1:15.6	I'm feeling better just in time. I am not happy. You know, I'm really over it. If you're in D.C. today, the federal agencies are open, but under a two-hour delay, and so are the schools.
1:28.1	I'm delighted.
1:44.6	My kids are thrilled. They can hang out at home until half a 10, but we're not getting weeks of snow crete again. Temperatures will be up to the mid-50s by Wednesday, dashes. So do not fear this is a day or two of snow and no more. Okay. I'll hang in there. You don't look totally convinced, but that's what we've got. I was trying to think of a good heading for Playbook this morning, and I came up with one battle after another, because Donald
1:49.4	Trump goes directly from his Friday tariff meltdown, if I can put it in those terms, and the
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