Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — March 16
Mar 16, 2026
Matt Bradley, NBC News international correspondent on-the-ground in Israel reports on daily life amid sirens. Courtney Kube, NBC senior national security correspondent analyzes military options, intelligence and off-ramps for the president. Monica Alba, NBC White House correspondent covers diplomatic and coalition efforts around Iran. They discuss the Strait of Hormuz, allied reactions, oil price impacts, and the feasibility of a multinational military effort.
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Coalition Ask Met With Hesitation
- President Trump asked major oil-importing nations to join a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz to prevent an oil-supply crisis.
- The request met mixed reactions; UK, France, South Korea, Japan and China gave no public commitments and some said this wasn’t their war, leaving shipping largely halted.
Offer Concrete Military Roles To Win Allies
- Militaries could contribute surveillance, air defenses, or unmanned systems to protect shipping but coalition momentum is weak.
- Courtney Kube and Monica Alba explained nations weren't prebriefed and may avoid military involvement despite economic interest.
Karg Island Would Require Large Ground Force
- Taking and holding Karg Island is possible but would require thousands of U.S. troops and be dangerous to sustain.
- Courtney warned capturing the island is feasible in planning but occupation and long-term control would be costly and risky.