Bloomberg Businessweek ‘MAGA Is Split': Trump Digs In on Iran War, Divides Loyalists
Mar 9, 2026
Nancy Cook, a national political reporter who covers GOP dynamics; Jennifer Welch, a geoeconomics analyst focused on energy and markets; and Madison Muller, a pharma and biotech reporter. They dig into Trump’s Iran stance fracturing his movement. They discuss oil-price spikes, inflation risks and regional fallout. They also cover pharmaceutical deals, FDA moves and market reactions.
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New Iranian Leader Reinforces Resistance Strategy
- Iran's new Supreme Leader is conservative, faces US sanctions, and likely won't pursue quick diplomacy.
- Jennifer Welch says his appointment and regime resilience make regime-change objectives difficult.
Gulf States Are Bearing The Brunt Of Regional Strikes
- Gulf states face hard choices as their air defenses strain from incoming Iranian projectiles, increasing regional costs and frustrations with US actions.
- Welch says many regional partners lobbied Washington not to act and now face disproportionate incoming strikes.
Iran's Capability, Not Intent, Is The Wildcard
- Iran's ability to impose economic pain hinges on remaining missile and drone stockpiles; intent to retaliate likely exists but capability is uncertain.
- Welch notes destroyed facilities reduce capacity but drone reserves could sustain pressure for weeks.