In an effort to enhance strategic responses to the ongoing situation with the Houthis, we are establishing a principles group aimed at coordinating our efforts over the next 72 hours. My deputy, Alex Wong, is leading the initiative by assembling a tiger team composed of deputies and agency Chief of Staff level personnel. This action follows a critical meeting held in the Sit Room this morning, where we outlined actionable items that will be disseminated later this evening.
To ensure seamless communication and coordination, please provide the best point of contact (POC) from your team. This will facilitate our collaboration over the next few days and throughout the weekend. Your cooperation is essential as we navigate this complex situation.
As I step away for the day to attend an economic event in Michigan, I want to express my concerns regarding our current strategy. It is important to recognize that 3% of U.S. trade and a staggering 40% of European trade transit through the Suez Canal. There is a significant risk that the public may not fully comprehend the implications of our actions or the necessity behind them.
One of the most compelling reasons for our approach, as articulated by the President of the United States (POTUS), is to send a strong message. However, I worry that the current strategy may contradict the President's ongoing messaging regarding Europe. Furthermore, we must consider the potential for a moderate to severe spike in oil prices as a result of our decisions.
I am prepared to support the team's consensus but believe there is a valid argument for delaying our actions by a month. This would allow us time to refine our messaging about why this operation is critical and to assess the economic landscape. Importantly, there is no immediate urgency driving our timeline; the same options will be available to us in a month.
While it is likely that the Israelis will carry out strikes and subsequently request additional support from us to replenish their resources, I consider this a minor factor in our decision-making process. I will share the unclassified data we gathered on BAM shipping for further insight.
As discussed in our previous planning committee meeting, we face a fundamental decision: whether to allow the sea lanes to remain closed or to reopen them now or later. Unfortunately, we find ourselves as the only nation capable of making this decision. From a messaging perspective, it is essential to emphasize the necessity for European nations to invest in their own defense capabilities.
Vice President: I share your disdain for the current state of European involvement; it is indeed pathetic. However, Mike is correct—we are the only nation capable of executing this mission. The pressing question is one of timing. I believe that now presents a suitable opportunity to act, especially considering the President's directive to reopen shipping lanes.
Nonetheless, the President retains a 24-hour decision-making window. My understanding is that the President has issued a green light for our actions but has also indicated the need for clarity in our expectations from Egypt and Europe moving forward. It is crucial that we devise a strategy to enforce these requirements. For instance, we need to consider the consequences if Europe fails to compensate for our efforts. If the U.S. successfully restores freedom of navigation at a substantial cost, it is imperative that we extract further economic benefits in return.
TEAM UPDATE: As of now (11:44 ET), the weather conditions are favorable for our operations. I have confirmed with CENTCOM that we are a go for mission launch. At 12:15 ET, the first strike package of F-18s will launch. By 13:45, the "Trigger Based" F-18 first strike window will commence, targeting known locations of terrorist threats.
At 14:10, additional F-18s will launch as part of the second strike package, followed by strike drones (MQ-9s) engaging targets at 14:15. The second strike will commence at 15:36, alongside the first launch of sea-based Tomahawks. We are currently maintaining operational security (OPSEC) as we proceed. Godspeed to our warriors as they undertake this critical mission.
