Fresh Air Is the U.S. headed toward military conflict with Iran?
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Feb 26, 2026 
David Sanger, New York Times White House and national security correspondent known for reporting on Iran’s nuclear program, joins to trace how U.S.-Iran tensions escalated. He maps Iran’s remaining nuclear work and missile risks. He examines conflicting U.S. messages, possible military options, risks of miscalculation, and how diplomacy is being handled without career diplomats.
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Iranian Missiles Threaten Region Not U.S. Mainland
- Iran's conventional missile force threatens U.S. bases and regional allies but lacks range to hit the U.S. mainland.
- Sanger emphasized missiles reached parts of Europe and hit Israeli targets in June, but not New York or Boston.
Iran's Nuclear Threat Is Different From North Korea
- Iran's program differs from North Korea: Iran has worked toward a bomb but hasn't built one; North Korea already has many weapons.
- Sanger contrasted Iran's slower progress with North Korea's established arsenal of about 60 warheads.
China And Russia Present Bigger Nuclear Risks Than Iran
- Global nuclear concerns now focus more on China and Russia than on Iran.
- Sanger noted China's rapid arsenal growth toward 1,000+ warheads and the expiration of key U.S.-Russia arms control, raising new risks.