Nightline: War with Iran War with Iran: Day 19
Mar 19, 2026
Capitol Hill drama as a prominent lawmaker faces tough questioning and intelligence claims come under scrutiny. Intensifying airstrikes and strikes on a major gas field spark massive fires. Missiles and drones are intercepted across the region while efforts aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Energy markets react with oil and gas surging amid mounting military clashes.
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Intelligence Assessment Contradicts Presidential Claim
- Tulsi Gabbard told Congress the intelligence community assessed Iran made no effort to rebuild its nuclear enrichment capability since it was destroyed.
- She emphasized the IC's assessment contrasts with President Trump's claim that Iran posed an imminent nuclear threat, creating public contradiction.
Resignation Sparks Capitol Hill Showdown
- Joe Kent, a top counterterrorism official, resigned saying Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S., prompting Gabbard's Capitol Hill testimony.
- Kent's resignation directly preceded Gabbard's refusal to echo the president's justification for the offensive.
Massive Strikes To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz
- The U.S. dropped multiple 5,000-pound bunker busters targeting Iranian coastal missile sites to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Those strikes aimed at cruise missiles Iran could use against tankers, after Israel hit Iran's largest gas field.