Asks about the latest developments after Trump's mismatched commentary on the war.
Annabelle Droulers
Laura Davison
Trump reversed from saying the war was winding down on Friday to issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on energy sites.
Laura Davison
Trump's singular focus is opening the Strait of Hormuz because of oil prices, but attacking energy sites would further damage and prolong high oil price scenarios.
Asks what to watch in the short term given the 24-hour mark.
Annabelle Droulers
Laura Davison
Watch if Trump changes his messaging or extends the deadline. Iran has stepped up attacks and pledged to hit Western infrastructure.
Asks if US and Israeli goals are aligned regarding an off-ramp vs. regime change.
Heidi Stroud-Watts
Laura Davison
Netanyahu was a key voice pushing Trump into the war and has significant weight in decisions, even if Trump tries to distance himself.
Asks about the possibility of ground troops.
Heidi Stroud-Watts
Laura Davison
Rhetoric is against ground troops, but Pentagon budget requests and planning indicate robust discussion about them, possibly for securing the Strait.
Asks about domestic pressure from rising oil prices as summer driving season approaches.
Heidi Stroud-Watts
Laura Davison
Trump is under significant domestic pressure; oil prices are up, airlines are adding fuel surcharges, and this will be a midterm election issue on affordability.