Asked Blinken if there's still room for diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran.
David Gura
Antony Blinken
Yes, there is room for diplomacy. He's thinking about two things: munitions and markets.
Asked if Blinken has a clear understanding of the administration's objectives.
David Gura
Antony Blinken
The rationale keeps shifting. While removing the Ayatollah and degrading Iran's military capabilities are good things, doing so without making the case to the American people about imminent threats is problematic.
Asked about the argument of an imminent nuclear threat.
David Gura
Antony Blinken
The imminent threat argument is ironic. The Trump administration tore up the JCPOA, which had contained Iran's program, leading to the current crisis where breakout time has shrunk to weeks.
Asked if he fears the US will need to put boots on the ground, leading to a 'forever war'.
David Gura
Antony Blinken
Boots on the ground are not necessary, but he is apprehensive about the conflict widening and the timetable attenuating.