© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Washington Week with The Atlantic

Is Trump’s war of choice becoming a war of necessity?

Season 2026 Episode 13 | 13m 10s

What does victory in Iran look like? Asking the president isn’t much use. He’s provided strikingly different answers, based, seemingly, on his mood. What is true is that Iran remains in control of the Strait of Hormuz, and it is unclear how President Trump plans to open up this crucial chokepoint. The panel discusses whether Trump’s war of choice is becoming a war of necessity.

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 • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 3/27/26
Full Washington Week with the Atlantic broadcast from March 27, 2026.
Episode: S2026 E13 | 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
Watch • 26:46
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 3/20/26
Full Washington Week with the Atlantic broadcast from March 20, 2026.
Episode: S2026 E12 | 26:46
Watch • 14:13
Washington Week with The Atlantic
What does winning a war with unclear objectives look like?
What does winning a war with unclear objectives look like?
Clip: S2026 E12 | 14:13
Watch • 9:14
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump faces opposition to war from NATO allies, MAGA base
Trump faces growing opposition to Iran war from NATO allies and his MAGA base
Clip: S2026 E12 | 9:14
Watch • 5:51
Washington Week with The Atlantic
How oil prices could impact Trump's next moves on Iran
How rising oil prices could impact Trump's next moves on Iran
Clip: S2026 E11 | 5:51
Watch • 14:26
Washington Week with The Atlantic
What leverage Iran may have as U.S. war continues
What leverage Iran may have as U.S. war continues
Clip: S2026 E11 | 14:26
Watch • 24:10
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 3/13/26
Full Washington Week with the Atlantic broadcast from March 13, 2026.
Episode: S2026 E11 | 24:10
Watch • 8:10
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump demands Iran’s surrender, but ending war is not easy
Trump demands Iran’s surrender, but ending war is not easy
Clip: S2026 E10 | 8:10
Watch • 13:09
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Trump's rationale and objectives for Iran war remain unclear
Trump's rationale and objectives for Iran war remain unclear
Clip: S2026 E10 | 13:09