PBS News Hour - Full Show What's next for Iran war as energy disruptions escalate and regime digs in
Mar 20, 2026
Miad Maleki, former Treasury official now advising defense policy, Vali Nasr, Johns Hopkins professor and regional expert, Michael Doran, Hudson Institute senior fellow with NSC experience, and Dana Stroul, ex-DoD Middle East operations official, discuss tactical impacts on Iranian capabilities. They cover strikes on energy infrastructure, endurance and escalation dynamics, domestic leverage, and U.S. escalation options.
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Operational Success Doesn’t Equal Strategic Victory
- U.S. operations report high tactical success but strategic victory is unclear.
- Dana Stroul notes missile, drone, navy strikes look operationally ahead yet closures like the Strait of Hormuz and continued attacks make it feel unwon.
This War Is An Endurance Test
- The conflict is a test of endurance between Iran and the U.S. rather than a quick decisive battle.
- Vali Nasr says the U.S. wants regime change without state collapse while Iran seeks leverage to force U.S. diplomacy.
Tactical Degradation Of Iranian Capabilities
- Tactical strikes have degraded Iran's drone, missile, and naval capabilities so far.
- Miad Maleki cites destroyed speedboats and targeted naval missiles while noting domestic political effects will reveal strategic outcomes.