Iran / Military stance

• Views Iran as a long-standing threat, saying it has been destabilizing for decades

• Frames current actions as purely military, not political

• Claims the U.S. has the capability to cripple Iran quickly (power grid, oil infrastructure like Kharg Island)

• Signals operations are ongoing but nearing an end, saying the U.S. is not ready to leave yet but exit could come soon

• Argues scrapping the Obama Iran deal prevented a nuclear war

Strait of Hormuz / Energy

• Does not believe escorting ships is necessary in the Strait of Hormuz

• Expects normal shipping to resume soon

• Projects lower fuel prices once the conflict ends

Allies and global support

• Strongly praises Middle East allies — Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain

• Commends Israel’s strength and role in the conflict

• Criticizes NATO, saying it should have been more involved

• Expresses disappointment with UK PM Starmer, citing disagreements on immigration and energy policy

China relations

• Plans to meet with Xi Jinping in ~5 weeks

• Describes relationship with China as good and constructive

Intelligence / leadership

• Welcomes resignation of National Counterterrorism Center director, criticizing prior assessment that Iran was not a threat

Bottom line

• Hawkish on Iran, emphasizing military strength and imminent impact

• Confident in a near-term resolution and normalization (shipping, energy)

• Supportive of Middle East allies, critical of NATO and UK leadership

• Maintains stable tone on China relations despite geopolitical tensions