PBS News Hour - Full Show March 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Mar 5, 2026
Lloyd Blankfein, former Goldman Sachs CEO and author, offers financial perspective. Nick Schifrin, PBS correspondent in Tel Aviv, shares frontline civilian reporting. John Kirby, retired Navy admiral and national security advisor, provides military and policy analysis. They discuss widening U.S.-Iran conflict, regional strikes and energy risks, on-the-ground civilian impacts, and U.S. strategic choices.
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Civilian Infrastructure Suffered Despite Military Targeting
- The U.S. and Israel are framing strikes as hits on Iran's military, but civilian infrastructure and cultural sites are being destroyed across cities.
- Azadi Stadium and multiple hospitals were damaged, Iranian health ministry reports over 1,200 killed and WHO verified attacks on health facilities.
Gulf Stability Strained By Attacks On Energy And Bases
- Gulf states face strategic pressure as Iran targets energy and U.S. presence, risking the region's neutrality and stability.
- Layla Malana-Allen reports missile defenses strain budgets, airports and tourism disrupted, and Gulf nations reconsider hosting U.S. bases.
Avoid Backing Insurgencies Without Clear Ground Plan
- Avoid fomenting uprisings without clear on-the-ground support because outcomes are unpredictable and can increase civilian suffering.
- Adm. John Kirby cautions backing Kurdish militias could inflame violence and may not topple a regime lacking popular arms or organization.