The Cipher Brief talks with Norm Roule, former National Intelligence Manager for Iran at ODNI about practical prospects for the region
Posted: February 9th, 2025
EXPERT INTERVIEW – President Donald Trump shocked the system last week, when he said during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the United States could potentially “take over” the Gaza Strip, telling reporters that he envisions the relocation of Palestinians and that the U.S. could take a “long-term ownership position” with the area being rebuilt as a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
As The Cipher Brief tapped a number of experts on the question of whether any aspect of the president’s plan were feasible, we also spoke with former National Intelligence Manager for Iran at ODNI, Norm Roule about the very real complications associated with change in the region. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.