The Daily Trump Weighs War With Iran
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Feb 24, 2026 
David E. Sanger, White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times, walks through the U.S. military buildup near Iran. He covers what the U.S. wants from Tehran. He maps potential targets and the risks of escalation. He explores Israel's role and whether military pressure is a bargaining chip.
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Multiple Conflicting Rationales For Possible Strike
- President Trump has floated multiple rationales for striking Iran including protecting protesters, cutting support to proxies, degrading missiles, and attacking nuclear remnants.
- Sanger notes the administration's messaging is murky and shifts between tactical and strategic goals.
June Campaign Buried Iran's Near Weapon Grade Stockpile
- Sanger recounts a June campaign where Israel initiated strikes and the U.S. used bunker-busters to bury Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.
- The Air Force targeted three deep enrichment sites to destroy near-weapons-grade material.
Israel Pressing Missile Threat Concerns
- Israel has been actively consulting with President Trump and pressed concerns especially about missiles that struck civilians previously.
- Netanyahu visited recently and emphasized missile threats that can reach Israel and pierced defenses in past strikes.