Watch Joe and Kailey LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.

Israel will pursue its military operations against Iran regardless of the progress of any potential negotiations involving the US, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said in an interview on Bloomberg Television.

“We’re going to go about our operation to remove these two threats,” Dermer said Monday, referring to Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. “Whether Iran will decide to meet with the United States and agree to terms that they should have taken a month ago, or two weeks ago, or two months ago, you know, that’s up to Iran to decide.”

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to talk about de-escalating the four-day old conflict.

Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. On this edition, Joe speaks with:

• Israel Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
• Bloomberg Politics Contributors Rick Davis and Jeanne Sheehan Zaino.
• Bloomberg Markets Live Managing Editor Kristine Aquino.
• Rapidan Energy Group Founder and President Bob McNally.
• Arbroath Group Founder and Managing Partner Christopher Smart.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch Joe and Kailey LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.

Israel launched strikes across Iran on Friday morning, targeting nuclear facilities and killing top military commanders in a major escalation against its chief adversary that risks sparking a broad war in the Middle East.

The strikes were far more extensive than those Israel carried out against Iran last year and underscored the country’s growing assertiveness, as well as its military and intelligence capabilities.

Iran appeared to launch a retaliatory barrage of missiles toward later Friday, according to the Israel Defense Forces, who said in a statement that “all of Israel” was under fire. Plumes of smoke could be seen over Tel Aviv on Friday evening. Iran did not immediately comment on the action.

Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. On this edition, Joe and Kailey speak with:

• Bloomberg Washington Correspondent Tyler Kendall.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies Middle East Program Director Mona Yacoubian.
• The Washington Institute Senior Fellow Holly Dagres.
• Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Commodities Strategist Mike McGlone.
• Bloomberg Politics Contributors Rick Davis and Jeanne Sheehan Zaino.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch Joe and Kailey LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF.

President Donald Trump said Israel “could very well” strike Iran but that he had advised against an attack while negotiations were ongoing, as the departure of US staff from the region fans concerns about a coming assault.

“I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen,” Trump told reporters at an event Thursday at the White House.

In recent days, Trump has said he is less confident the US will reach a deal with Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. The president has repeatedly said that while he wants a diplomatic solution, he does not want Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons and warned the US could resort to military action if a deal is not reached.

Bloomberg Washington Correspondents Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz deliver insight and analysis on the latest headlines from the White House and Capitol Hill, including conversations with influential lawmakers and key figures in politics and policy. On this edition, Joe and Kailey speak with:

• Center for Strategic and International Studies Senior Associate Natasha Hall.
• Beacon Global Strategies Managing Director Michael Allen.
• Bloomberg US Transport Deputy Team Lead Ryan Beene.
• Bloomberg Consumer Finance Reporter Paige Smith.
• Former Republican Congressman and Bloomberg Contributor Patrick McHenry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.