Trump could trigger more conflict in Middle East — Ex CIA Chief

President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office in January, former CIA Director and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warns of an impending shift in Middle East policy that could trigger unprecedented conflict.

Trump, who secured his victory over Democrat Kamala Harris in this week’s election, is predicted to grant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu free rein in the region, effectively giving him a “blank check” to pursue an aggressive stance against Iran.

Panetta, speaking with The Guardian, described a future where the U.S. president-elect could endorse almost any action Israel decides to take in its strategic objectives.

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“Whatever you do, whatever you want to do, whoever you want to go after, you have my blessing,” Panetta conveyed of Trump’s implied stance.

The potential consequences are significant: a permissive U.S. approach could embolden Netanyahu, who has already managed an escalation of hostilities since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year, including targeted actions against Iranian assets.

While Trump and Netanyahu’s recent exchange of congratulations drew little media attention, Panetta’s remarks signal that the political implications could be far-reaching.

With a less restrained Israel and a Middle East on the brink, the world may be watching the stage set for a confrontation with no clear endpoint.

Could this open endorsement spark the regional war that experts have long feared?