Trump Tells Netanyahu He Still Hopes to Have a Deal With Iran
Watch on YouTube ↗  |  February 11, 2026 at 20:46 UTC  |  7:09  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Dena Esfandiari — Middle East Geoeconomics Lead, Bloomberg News

Summary

  • The Trump administration is attempting to negotiate a new deal with Iran, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is insisting on strict red lines, specifically rolling back Iran's missile program.
  • Iran views its missile program as its "first line of defense" and existential to its survival, making this a major sticking point in negotiations compared to the nuclear program, which they are more willing to discuss.
  • The US is deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region to establish "credible military threats" to support negotiations.
  • Oil Scenario Analysis: The analyst outlines two paths. The "Extreme Case" involves Iran striking regional energy infrastructure and closing the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil to skyrocket ($108+). The "Likely Case" is a managed escalation resulting in a short, temporary spike from current levels (~$65).
Trade Ideas
Ticker Direction Speaker Thesis Time
ITA
LONG Dina Esfandiary
Middle East Economic Lead, Bloomberg News
The US is officially planning to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Trump is "sending so many military capabilities to the region to ensure that Israel is properly defended." The deployment of carrier strike groups and the explicit commitment to defending Israel implies high operational tempo and the consumption/deployment of defense hardware (interceptors, munitions, logistics). Even if the goal is deterrence, the hardware is being moved and utilized, benefiting the defense industrial base. LONG Defense sector as the beneficiary of the "credible military threat" strategy. A sudden de-escalation or US withdrawal of assets if negotiations succeed immediately.
LONG Dina Esfandiary
Middle East Economic Lead, Bloomberg News
Oil is currently trading just below $65/barrel. The analyst outlines two scenarios: a "likely" managed escalation causing a "brief spike," or an "extreme" scenario where Iran strikes energy infrastructure and closes the Strait of Hormuz, causing prices to "skyrocket." With WTI Crude at $65, the market is pricing in a high probability of peace or oversupply. Both scenarios presented by the analyst involve price appreciation—either a tactical spike (base case) or a massive repricing event (bull case). There is little downside priced in for a geopolitical risk premium at these levels. LONG Energy as an asymmetric hedge. If the "managed escalation" occurs, you catch the spike; if the "extreme" case hits, it protects the portfolio against a global economic crash. A rapid, surprise diplomatic breakthrough where Trump lifts sanctions without escalation, leading to a flood of Iranian supply.