PBS News Hour - Full Show March 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Mar 17, 2026
Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute, warns about rising anti-Muslim rhetoric and its impact on American Muslim communities. Nick Schifrin, PBS foreign correspondent, gives on-the-ground reporting from the Middle East. They discuss the Iran war’s regional escalation, strikes and evacuations, disruptions to shipping and oil, and the domestic political fallout of inflammatory rhetoric.
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Strait Closure Drives Global Oil Shock
- Iran's actions have effectively shut shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent crude above $100 and raising U.S. gas prices sharply.
- Nick Schifrin reports Iran struck Gulf oil infrastructure including Karg Island and an Emirati export terminal, worsening global supply shocks.
Trump Claims Iran Degraded But Warns Of Wider Strikes
- President Trump called reporters directly, saying Iran's military has been decimated and threatening further strikes on oil infrastructure like Karg Island.
- Liz Landers' three-minute call captured Trump insisting he might hit Tehran's electric plants but is holding off due to long-term damage concerns.
Europeans Reject Military Role In Strait Reopening
- European allies are reluctant to deploy warships to reopen the Strait, arguing added vessels won't offset Iran's asymmetric advantages.
- Natalie Tocci says Europeans see reopening tied to ending the war and resent being pulled into a conflict they weren't consulted on.