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Washington Week with The Atlantic

Trump's rationale and objectives for Iran war remain unclear

Season 2026 Episode 10 | 13m 09s

It was just last week that President Trump launched a war against Iran after telling Americans that he was opposed to new wars, especially new Middle East wars. The Iranian regime is practically leaderless and on its back foot, but the commander-in-chief of American forces has yet to explain to a doubting public the rationale for the war.

Major funding for “Washington Week with The Atlantic” is provided by Consumer Cellular, Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, the Yuen Foundation, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Extras
Watch • 0:00
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 4/17/26
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 4/17/26
Episode: S2026 E16 | 0:00
Watch • 9:19
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Iran war reality undercuts Trump's messaging
Iran war reality undercuts Trump's messaging
Clip: S2026 E16 | 9:19
Watch • 13:49
Washington Week with The Atlantic
How will Trump get out of his fight with Pope Leo?
How will Trump get out of his fight with Pope Leo?
Clip: S2026 E16 | 13:49
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 4/10/26
Full Washington Week with the Atlantic broadcast from April 10, 2026.
Episode: S2026 E15 | 26:46
Watch • 8:41
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Europe's view of U.S. amid Iran war, Trump's NATO threats
Europe's view of the U.S. amid Iran war and Trump's new threats toward NATO
Clip: S2026 E15 | 8:41
Watch • 14:19
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump’s ever-shifting Iran views
Trump’s ever-shifting Iran views
Clip: S2026 E15 | 14:19
Watch • 16:10
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump's Iran war address leaves questions unanswered
Trump says Iran war wrapping up, but address leaves more questions than answers
Clip: S2026 E14 | 16:10
Watch • 6:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
After Bondi's ouster, who could be next?
After Bondi's ouster, who could be the next official fired by Trump?
Clip: S2026 E14 | 6:46
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 4/3/26
Full Washington Week with the Atlantic broadcast from April 3, 2026.
Episode: S2026 E14 | 26:46
Watch • 9:44
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump's mixed messages and shifting goals in the Iran war
Trump's mixed messages and shifting goals in the Iran war
Clip: S2026 E13 | 9:44