Good Morning. Iran is stalling. Trump is building. And the biggest U.S. air deployment in decades is already in position.
We also share U2’s new protest EP, Naomi’s Campbell’s Epstein files, and the easy way to make sushi (forwarded this email? Join 523k readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Pentagon Encircles Iran
The U.S. has assembled its largest Middle East air power concentration since the 2003 Iraq invasion, deploying F-35s, F-22s, and a second aircraft carrier to the region. President Trump has been briefed on strike options but hasn't ordered action.
U.S. and Iranian representatives met in Geneva this week, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt describing "a little bit of progress" but acknowledging the two sides remain "very far apart." Iran is expected to submit a more detailed proposal within weeks (WSJ).
Military options reportedly include targeting nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, or Iranian leadership. Trump has publicly stated he prefers a diplomatic resolution, telling reporters Monday: "I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal."
Crypto Bill Drama
The U.S. Senate's proposed Clarity Act faces a standoff between crypto firms and traditional banks over stablecoin rewards (NYT). Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, previously a critic, signaled optimism last week, stating he's "confident we can achieve a market structure win-win."
Democratic senators including Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren are demanding ethics provisions preventing elected officials from profiting from crypto, citing a reported $500 million UAE investment tied to Trump family ventures. Senator Ruben Gallego called ethics a "red line" for Democrats.
The crypto-aligned super PAC Fairshake entered 2026 with $193 million. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer privately warned colleagues about crossing the organization, suggesting some Democrats may ultimately support the bill despite reservations.
U2’s Anti-ICE EP
Irish rock band U2 released a surprise six-track EP Wednesday titled "Days of Ash," opening with "American Obituary," a tribute to Renee Good, a Minneapolis mother of three killed during federal immigration raids on January 7.
The EP marks U2's first new studio material since 2017. It also addresses conflicts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, featuring guest appearances by Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian frontline soldier and rocker Taras Topolia. A short documentary tied to the Ukraine track releases Tuesday.
Bono described the songs as "impatient to be out in the world," adding that a full-length album with a "more joyful tone" remains in progress. U2 joins Bruce Springsteen, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish among artists responding musically to the raids.
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TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
Tony Robbins: How to Sell Anything
Most people think selling is about talking. It's not. It's about putting someone in a state where they want to say yes. Here's exactly how to do it:
Build rapport first:
Match their tone, pace, and energy
Mirror their body language
Make them think "me too," not "so what"
Find the real need:
Ask what they'd change about their life
Dig until they get specific
Get verbal commitments as you go
Anchor and close:
Attach their desire directly to your product
Handle objections before they surface
Assume the sale. Always.
TR: "No does not mean no. It just means I need more information. It means you have not put me in state."
The Man in the Arena
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
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Fun Links
History of fast food advertising [Blog]
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Ice-tray at-home sushi hack [Video]
“Be Her” by Ella Langley song [Video]