JD’s Iran Flim Flam? Vance Sells a Deal Iran Denies, David Cay Johnston Joins 6/23/26

Vice President JD Vance says there is "very good" progress in Switzerland with Iran negotiations. He says Iran is agreeing to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country following initial negotiations . Was he sitting at the same table as Iran’s negotiators? Iran's foreign ministry spokesman says nope, there are no "plans for IAEA inspections" of nuclear sites, Iran maintains the Strait of Hormuz will "never return to its pre-war conditions" and that Iran will maintain control of the vital waterway. Vance painted a positive picture with a new communication line established between negotiators to prevent incidents and ensure safe commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S., Iran, and Lebanon are creating a "deconfliction cell" to enforce the agreed ceasefire across all fronts. If negotiations are going so well, why is the Pentagon seeking roughly $80 billion to cover costs of the U.S. war against Iran? It’s part of a massive $1.5 trillion military budget proposal. However, lawmakers are expressing skepticism about Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran and hesitation over increased Pentagon funding amid rising costs of living for Americans.

On the matter of the botched renovation of the reflecting pool, journalists pushed President Trump for proof after he claimed a very long slit was made in the paint at the bottom of the reflecting pool. There’s no evidence to back up those claims, but Trump seems to be laying the blame squarely on vandalism as the pool now has to be re-emptied and repaired.

We put it all to David Cay Johnston, Pulitzer Prize winning author and investigative journalist, from Iran to the mishaps on the national mall.

Plus, entertainment reporter Lisa Joyner will join us to talk about Hollywood, podcasting and her love of animals.

The Mark Thompson Show

6/23/26

Today's Guests Links

Lisa Joyner

Prof. David Cay Johnston at RIT, Pulitzer Prize winning Author & Investigative Journalist

The Rundown-

-Iran Deal

-Israel

-AI

-Stock Market

-Bill Pulte

-Elections

-Trump new book

-Reflecting Pool

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