The Headlines Trump’s ‘Worst Case’ Scenario in Iran, and the Most Expensive Primary in U.S. History
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Mar 4, 2026 
Anton Troianovski, New York Times reporter on global affairs, gives a compact read on U.S. policy toward Iran and Middle East shifts. He discusses questions about Iran’s succession and leadership, Washington’s reluctance to own post-strike outcomes, and the political fallout as Congress debates limits on strikes. Other segments touch on high-spending Senate races and daylight saving time changes.
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Iran Nears Succession With Moshtaba Khamenei As Frontrunner
- The U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and put Iran on the verge of picking a new supreme leader.
- Moshtaba Khamenei, the Ayatollah's son, is the reported frontrunner and could be quickly backed by hard-liners or widely rejected by protesters.
Trump Voices Concern About Replacing Iran's Leadership
- President Trump acknowledged strikes removed potential successors but warned the worst case is installing someone 'as bad as the previous person.'
- That stance signals U.S. uncertainty about long-term outcomes after decapitation strikes.
U.S. Rejects Responsibility For Poststrike Consequences
- Anton Troianovski says the administration rejects the 'Pottery Barn' idea of owning postwar consequences while asserting the right to strike anywhere.
- Weakening central authorities risks chaos, civil war, or a more repressive regime taking hold in Iran.