PBS News Hour - Full Show What war in Iran has revealed and what remains unknown
Mar 13, 2026
Alex Vatanka, Middle East Institute analyst on IRGC influence; Ray Takeyh, CFR strategist on regime dynamics; Suzanne Maloney, Brookings expert on regime stability; Reuel Marc Gerecht, former CIA officer on military strategy. They debate the air campaign’s early effects, targets like missiles and drones, a new supreme leader’s stance, Iran’s use of oil and proxies, and whether the conflict heads toward long war or diplomacy.
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Military Campaign Aims To Degrade Iran's Sea And Missile Capacity
- The U.S.-led air campaign aimed to degrade Iran's navy, missiles, drones, and production capacity to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Reuel Marc Gerecht says the military expects substantial degradation by month’s end but warns Iranian retaliation was not fully anticipated.
Iran Uses Energy And Surprise To Offset Military Weakness
- Iran's strategy is asymmetric economic coercion: target Gulf energy and the global economy to pressure the U.S. and allies.
- Alex Vatanka notes Tehran has prepared for decades and expects to use oil chokepoints and surprises to test resolve.
New Supreme Leader Doubles Down On Hardline Messaging
- Mojtaba Khamenei's first public stance mirrored his father's hardline themes: eviction of U.S. forces, opening other fronts, and avenging the slain leader.
- Ray Takeyh and Suzanne Maloney emphasize the speech signals continuity rather than moderation.