The President's Daily Brief PDB Situation Report | February 21st, 2026: U.S. Deploys Largest Force Since Iraq & Buck Sexton On Political Brainwashing In The U.S.
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Feb 21, 2026 
Buck Sexton, former CIA analyst and author, discusses political influence and propaganda. Paul Chabot, retired Naval Intelligence commander, analyzes the massive U.S. military buildup near Iran and regional naval risks. They cover threats to the Strait of Hormuz, options short of ground invasion, back-channel Cuba outreach, transition risks on the island, and modern tactics of mass delusion.
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Largest U.S. Air Power Buildup Since 2003
- The U.S. has moved its largest concentration of air power to the Middle East since 2003, creating a wide range of military options.
- That buildup signals both deterrence and the ability to escalate from limited strikes to a sustained campaign if diplomacy fails.
Iran Seeking An Off-Ramp Amid Bad-Faith Talks
- Paul Chabot argues Iran appears to be seeking an off-ramp but negotiates in bad faith and resists limits on missiles and proxies.
- He says U.S. military pressure aims to force Iran to accept a broader deal covering enrichment, missiles, and proxies.
Strait Of Hormuz Is A Strategic Flashpoint
- Chabot highlights the Strait of Hormuz as a critical choke point where even minor actions like mines could have global economic impact.
- He warns Iran understands the leverage and that such moves would be seen as crossing a red line by the U.S. administration.
