Anderson Cooper 360

Brett McGurk, a veteran national security adviser, and Alex Plitsas, a foreign policy analyst, break down the Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base. They discuss U.S. military options, carrier movements, troop deployments, and the diplomatic impasse over Iran's nuclear program. They also touch on economic fallout and regional stability.

Kenneth Braithwaite, retired Rear Admiral and former Navy Secretary, offers a naval ops perspective. Brett McGurk, former senior advisor and global affairs analyst, breaks down regional strategy. They discuss the 10-day pause on strikes, control and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, naval tactics against mines and small-boat threats, and how these moves shape regional escalation.

Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff with deep political and strategic experience, and Seth Moulton, Marine vet and House Armed Services member, debate U.S. military strategy and regional risks. They discuss CENTCOM’s strike campaign, troop deployments and limitations of air power. The conversation covers negotiating prospects, allied coordination, and potential ground options.

Nick Payton-Walsh, CNN field correspondent in southern Lebanon reporting on humanitarian devastation and displacement. Kylie Atwood, CNN national security correspondent covering diplomatic backchannels and Iran-U.S. negotiation dynamics. They discuss U.S. troop movements to the Middle East, Iran-related negotiation hints, regional strikes and the humanitarian toll in southern Lebanon.

Kristen Holmes, CNN senior White House correspondent, explains shifting White House claims about talks with Iran and a reported U.S. proposal. Shimon Prokupes, CNN reporter on scene, updates on the LaGuardia collision, NTSB actions, recovered recorders, and airport safety questions. They discuss runway procedures, tower communications, and broader air traffic control strain.

Elena Treen, White House correspondent offering quick takes on administration messaging. Robert Harward, retired vice admiral with strategic military insight. Margaret Donovan, former JAG and Army combat vet with legal and operational perspective. They discuss Iran's missile and drone barrages, the challenge of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, mounting U.S. deployments to the Gulf, and the debate over air strikes versus ground forces.

Beth Sanner, former deputy director of national intelligence, offers national security perspective. Maggie Haberman, NYT White House correspondent, explains political and economic fallout. Jeremy Diamond, CNN Tel Aviv reporter, shares on-the-ground regional reporting. They discuss rising gas prices, Pentagon’s $200B war request, drone sightings near Washington, Israel’s strikes and risks of wider escalation.

Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia lawmaker and ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, appears to challenge intelligence leadership. He questions why certain assessments were omitted and debates the administration's justification for war. The conversation also touches on recent Iranian strikes on Gulf energy sites, regional military actions, and the broader strategic and economic fallout.

Brett McGurk, former senior U.S. national security official who served under multiple administrations, provides context on coalition timelines and operational tradeoffs. He outlines the military campaign timeline and explains asymmetric threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Short, clear takes on mine countermeasures, Karg Island’s strategic role, and regional escalation risks involving the Houthis.

Nick Robertson, CNN correspondent reporting from Kuwait, gives first-hand accounts of Gulf states' reactions and local air defense activity. He describes air raids and interceptions near the Strait of Hormuz. He reports on strikes against oil and gas facilities and the resulting shipping disruptions. The segment focuses on on-the-ground reporting and regional security responses.