Introduces Dena Esfandiari, Bloomberg's Middle East Geoeconomics Lead, and asks for her read on the White House situation and recent headlines.
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Netanyahu's goal is to impress upon the Trump administration Israeli redlines during Iran negotiations, focusing on rolling back Iran's nuclear and, critically, its missile program.
Asks for details on Iran's missile program and what Israel wants rolled back.
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Iran's missile program is critical to its defense and deterrence, developed indigenously under sanctions, and can reach most of the Middle East, making it a real concern for Israel.
Asks about the likelihood of an agreement with Iran that would lead to greater peace and less terrorism in the region.
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Iran is willing to talk about its nuclear program but considers missiles off the table. It shows some openness to discuss its relationships with regional partners like Hezbollah and Hamas, though it will not break off support.
Cites WSJ headline about US planning to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East and asks what to prepare for regarding the US military buildup.
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The US buildup demonstrates credible threat of military strikes to Iran and prepares for potential blowback. Additional capabilities are for defense of assets/allies and to give Trump option for a longer campaign.
Asks if Trump's friendship with Netanyahu is problematic for figuring out a deal with Iran.
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Israel is a complicating factor for Trump's plans to avoid wars, but the US-Israel relationship is not in doubt and is part of why Trump is being strong with Iran and sending military capabilities to defend Israel.
Asks about her column 'the $108 oil war' and the three broad paths for how Middle East shocks could play out, requesting the extreme and most likely cases given global economic implications.
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Extreme case: If Trump strikes Iran hard and Iran retaliates hard, targeting energy infrastructure and potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices may skyrocket.
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More likely case: A managed escalation leading to a short, temporary, brief spike in oil prices, after which the market will adapt as both sides seek an off-ramp.