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Washington Week with The Atlantic

Trump's rationale and objectives for Iran war remain unclear

Season 2026 Episode 10 | 13m 09s

It was just last week that President Trump launched a war against Iran after telling Americans that he was opposed to new wars, especially new Middle East wars. The Iranian regime is practically leaderless and on its back foot, but the commander-in-chief of American forces has yet to explain to a doubting public the rationale for the war.

Major funding for “Washington Week with The Atlantic” is provided by Consumer Cellular, Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, the Yuen Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Extras
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 3/6/26
Full Washington Week with the Atlantic broadcast from March 6, 2026.
Episode: S2026 E10 | 26:46
Watch • 8:10
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump demands Iran’s surrender, but ending war is not easy
Trump demands Iran’s surrender, but ending war is not easy
Clip: S2026 E10 | 8:10
Watch • 4:47
PBS News Hour
'Immutable' follows student debate team finding their voices
New documentary 'Immutable' follows student debate team as they find their voices
Clip: S2026 E51 | 4:47
Watch • 4:51
PBS News Hour
Economy shows signs of strain as war brings more uncertainty
U.S. economy shows signs of strain as Iran war brings more uncertainty
Clip: S2026 E51 | 4:51
Watch • 3:43
PBS News Hour
Iran receiving intelligence from Russia, officials say
Iran receiving intelligence support from Russia, officials say
Clip: S2026 E51 | 3:43
Watch • 5:40
PBS News Hour
Trump demands 'unconditional surrender' from Iran
Trump demands 'unconditional surrender' as war on Iran enters new phase
Clip: S2026 E51 | 5:40
Watch • 17:28
Amanpour and Company
David Frum: Iran War Is Based on Trump’s Whim
David Frum discusses the war in Iran and its impact at home.
Clip: S2026 E8113 | 17:28
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
March 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
March 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E51 | 57:46
Watch • 55:53
Amanpour and Company
March 6, 2026
Fred Pleitgen; Mehdi Mahmoudian; Dan Shapiro; David Frum
Episode: S2026 E8113 | 55:53
Watch • 10:29
PBS News Hour
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's decision to strike Iran
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's decision to launch strikes on Iran
Clip: S2026 E51 | 10:29
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