(DCNF)—Fox News anchor Bret Baier clashed with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during an interview Wednesday over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s public threats against President Donald Trump.
On Monday, Khamenei posted an image portraying Trump as an ancient pharaoh and warned that, like past despotic rulers, he would be overthrown at the height of his power. During an interview on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Baier challenged Araghchi’s claim that Iran’s nuclear program exists solely for peaceful purposes, questioning why enrichment facilities sit deep underground.
“Legitimate peaceful purposes for a nuclear program usually are not buried a mile down deep. And that is where the concern was,” Baier said.
Araghchi fired back by accusing Trump of sabotaging diplomacy. He said Trump turned against negotiations by launching a military strike.
“President Trump proved to be against diplomacy when he attacked us in June and when now he decided to cut any communication. So if there is any real interest to engage and to promote understanding and to understand what’s going on really on the ground, he has to pay attention to the realities and not to the misinformation provided to him by those who want to drag him into another war,” Araghchi responded.
Baier pressed further, returning to the Supreme Leader’s rhetoric.
“Again, I go back to the Supreme Leader, who does not sound like he’s anxious to sit down and talk with President Trump as a country, as he’s taunting him, calling him a tyrant who will be overthrown,” Baier said. “How do you do that and think that President Trump is going to take that as, ‘Oh yes, I should get to the table?’”
Araghchi rejected the premise, insisting Iran has repeatedly negotiated with the United States with the Supreme Leader’s approval.
“No, come on. We have engaged into negotiation with the U.S. several times, with the permission of the Supreme Leader. Why do you say that? No, let me tell you. We negotiated with the United States several times, and all of them turned into a very negative experience,” Araghchi said. “In 2015, we negotiated for two and a half years. We concluded a deal, and the United States decided to withdraw with no reason and with no justification. So why we should engage into negotiation with the United States, which means, in fact when the United States talks about negotiation it means they want dictation and not negotiation.”
Iran’s capital plunged into turmoil as anti-government protests ignited fires across Tehran, with Khamenei accusing Trump of fueling what he described as a foreign-backed uprising. Authorities shut down internet and phone service as videos showed widespread arson. Khamenei later labeled the demonstrators “vandals,” warning in a televised address that the Islamic Republic would not back down from what he called U.S.-inspired unrest.
“The Islamic Republic came to power through the blood of hundreds of thousands of honorable people. It will not back down in the face of vandals,” Khamenei said.
Public unrest erupted in December as Iran’s economy deteriorated, battered by steep price increases, the impact of U.S. penalties, and fallout from a brief but intense conflict with Israel in June, Reuters reported. The situation escalated Thursday evening after exiled royal figure Reza Pahlavi urged citizens to demonstrate, reviving memories of the monarchy ended when his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was overthrown in the 1979 revolution.
Trump authorized airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities in June and later warned that the United States would intervene if Tehran used deadly force against nonviolent demonstrators. He reinforced that message on Dec. 29 after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that Washington stands ready to launch additional attacks should Iran attempt to revive its nuclear program.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
