Asks Richard Haass if he expects US military strikes against Iran this weekend given President Trump's dissatisfaction with Iran's negotiating stance.
Joe Mathieu
Richard Haass
States he has no idea about strikes, emphasizing the core question is what the US is asking of Iran regarding nuclear activities, ballistic missiles, and proxies, and how serious the US is about its demands.
Asks if the evolving US demands (nuclear, ballistic missiles) are too much for Iran to follow.
Joe Mathieu
Richard Haass
Says if the US asks Iran to give up every aspect of its programs, Iran will refuse. Believes both sides are still in a pre-negotiation, bluffing phase, feeling each other out.
Asks how far Iran might go to retaliate against US strikes.
Joe Mathieu
Richard Haass
States Iran would go far to preserve its regime and may calculate that in an expanded conflict where oil prices rise, they are better positioned to endure than the US.
Asks what Saudi Arabia and Iran accelerating crude exports tells about the status of talks.
Joe Mathieu
Richard Haass
Says it indicates a desire to keep a cushion and stability in the oil market as prices fluctuate. It's also a signal to Iran that its ability to inflict pain through oil pricing is not as great as it thinks.