Brandon spoke with University of Arizona professor David Gibbs as reports emerged of a tense phone call between Trump and Netanyahu, with Israel pushing for renewed strikes against Iran.
Gibbs believes Trump still has a choice. And he thinks launching another offensive would be extraordinarily reckless.
Why?
Because Iran could retaliate against the Gulf’s oil infrastructure and desalination plants, threatening not just energy supplies but the drinking water millions of people depend on.
He even warned that the economic fallout could become severe enough to trigger a global depression.
But the conversation went beyond Iran.
Gibbs sees something much bigger developing across the Middle East: countries that once relied on Washington for protection are increasingly questioning whether that relationship actually makes them safer.
He pointed to growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, and the possibility of Syria eventually joining them.
We also discussed Israel’s political future, the prospect of a confrontation with Turkey through Syria, and whether American public support for Israel is beginning to erode.
One argument particularly stuck with us.
Gibbs compared Israel to a reckless bank that keeps taking enormous risks because it expects Washington to bail it out.
And if that American guarantee begins to weaken, the entire regional balance could change.
His message to Trump was remarkably simple: You don’t HAVE to start another war.
Even with military preparations underway and Netanyahu applying pressure, walking away remains an option.
The question is whether Trump is willing to take it.
