Erin Burnett OutFront Gulf Nations Under Attack As Iran Seeks Revenge For Assassinations
Mar 19, 2026
General Marks, a retired military officer and defense analyst, breaks down Iran's missile, naval, and asymmetric threats. He discusses targeting mountainous launch sites and when air campaigns might need contested ground operations. He also weighs the role of drones, Russian support, and risks to shipping in the Gulf.
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No Evidence Iran Was Imminent Nuclear Threat
- Joe Kent and others argued Iran was not on the verge of a nuclear weapon and presented no intelligence of an imminent 'big sneak attack'.
- Kent cited a 2004 fatwa and said shared intelligence didn't show a sudden escalation risk, undermining the administration's public rationale.
Iran Strikes Gulf Energy Targets Escalate Conflict
- Iran retaliated by striking Saudi and Qatari energy sites after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian oil and gas facilities, widening the war.
- Nick Robertson reported interceptors fired from central Riyadh and debris fell near a refinery, marking an unprecedented escalation.
Israel Expands Targets Including Caspian Naval Assets
- Israel struck Iranian energy facilities and naval assets, including for the first time reported strikes on Iranian ships in the Caspian Sea.
- Israeli officials promised 'more surprises' and eased approvals to target senior Iranian leaders.