PBS News Hour - Full Show How long the U.S. and Arab allies can afford to sustain the war on Iran
Mar 6, 2026
Ray Takeyh, scholar of Middle East politics, explains historical Iranian strategy. Wendy Sherman, veteran diplomat, brings negotiation and policy perspective. Danielle Pletka, conservative national security commentator, argues military rationale. Firas Maksad, geopolitical risk analyst, maps regional escalation. They debate U.S. aims, Iran’s regional moves, Arab partners’ calculations, and how long sustained military pressure can continue.
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U.S. War With Iran Was A War Of Choice
- The U.S. launched a war of choice against Iran without an imminent U.S. threat.
- Wendy Sherman says the regime is odious but there was no immediate U.S. threat, making objectives, costs, and an exit plan unclear.
Escalating Iranian Capabilities Forced Hard Choices
- Iran's military and proxy activities were judged escalating beyond diplomatic solutions.
- Danielle Pletka argues Iran's missiles, drones, and support for proxies made it a danger that couldn't be countered diplomatically or reliably by other means.
Iran Is Expanding The War To Pressure Neighbors
- Iran deliberately broadened the conflict to inflict regional pain and pressure Gulf states to push the U.S. to stop.
- Firas Maksad notes attacks spread across 14 countries, targeting energy and civilians to make neighbors feel the cost.