MNI POLITICAL RISK - Biden Faces Questions Over Iran Strategy

Executive Summary:

• President Biden yesterday issued a powerful message of support for Israel: "We stand with Israel."
• Amidst a message profoundly supportive of Israel, Biden appeared to caution against a heavy-handed response, saying he discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "how democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.”
• The crisis in Israel has fuelled concern that Iran could be drawn into the war and reopened partisan debates over the Biden administration’s Iran strategy. Yesterday, three Senate Democrats joined a chorus of Republicans calling on Biden to re-freeze the USD$6b in Iranian oil revenue unlocked in prisoner swap last month.
• House Republicans will meet today at 10:00 ET 15:00 BST to try to nominate their candidate for speaker. A vote on the House floor could come as early as today but that appears unlikely considering the extent of dysfunction within the caucus.
• Arizona Republican Kari Lake, a high-profile supporter of former President Trump who lost a bid to become Arizona governor last year, formally announced her intention to run for the Senate yesterday.
• Poll of the Day: 41% of Republicans think the future speaker should prioritise party principles over preventing a government shutdown.

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MNIPOLRISKUSDaily111023.pdf