The US military buildup in the region is significant and unprecedented, with dual purpose of pressuring Iran to negotiate and potential for war if negotiations fail.
Asks about US strategy and objectives regarding Iran, noting confusion about what the US wants.
speaker2
Dina
US objectives are unclear even within the administration, shifting from nuclear containment to regime change and back.
Asks whether military planning is happening with generals or being run directly from the Oval Office.
speaker3
Dina
Trump has been briefed on military options, and those briefings previously prevented war in January by showing need for capability buildup first.
Asks about Israel's role and other regional players in the US-Iran standoff.
speaker2
Dina
Israel is trying to sway Trump toward war or maximalist positions, while Gulf Arab partners are urging restraint due to uncertainty about war outcomes.
Questions whether any conflict would be a short skirmish or prolonged like the American Civil War, given America's war-weariness.
speaker3
Dina
Conflict would not be short because Iran now sees this as existential and would escalate rapidly, targeting oil infrastructure and potentially closing Strait of Hormuz.
Suggests regime change might be the only strategy justifying the asset deployment.
speaker2
Dina
Regime change would require boots on the ground, which no US president wants.
Asks what the next step to look for is.
speaker2
Dina
Expects first airstrike to happen, then watching how Iran escalates - likely rapid escalation making outcomes unpredictable.