PBS Washington Week with The Atlantic - Full Show Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 3/13/26
27 snips
Mar 14, 2026 
Felicia Schwartz, diplomatic correspondent at Politico, unpacks timing and leverage in Iran tensions. Mark Mazzetti, NYT Washington correspondent, examines U.S. messaging and regional consequences. Steve Inskeep of NPR looks at economic fallout and political effects at home. Nancy Youssef, Pentagon correspondent at The Atlantic, explains military strikes, phases of operations, and troop movements.
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Khark Island Is Iran's Economic And Military Keystone
- Khark Island is small but central to Iran's economy and military, making it a high-value U.S. strike target.
- Nancy Youssef says 90% of Iran's oil exports flow from Khark and it hosts IRGC facilities, so hitting it pressures both revenue and military leverage.
Strikes Seek To Reclaim Leverage Over The Strait Of Hormuz
- The U.S. strike on energy infrastructure is aimed at reclaiming leverage over the Strait of Hormuz and global oil flows.
- Felicia Schwartz says the administration hopes damaging Iranian energy sites will force Tehran to allow more shipping through the strait.
Marine Expeditionary Unit Adds Options But Not Decisive Power
- The administration is steadily escalating with additional forces, including a Marine expeditionary unit, which increases U.S. options but also risk.
- Steve Inskeep notes a MEU is powerful yet small relative to Iran and could be used for rapid ship-to-shore operations or island seizures.