Trump Weighs War With Iran

The Daily

02/24/26

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23m

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The United States has been building up a military presence around Iran for weeks, even as negotiators from both countries plan to meet later this week in hopes of finding a diplomatic solution to the escalating tensions.

David E. Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, explains what President Trump hopes to achieve through potential military action, and why he has chosen this moment.

Guest: David E. Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Mr. Trump has said he is considering a targeted strike against Iran that could be followed by a larger attack.
As Mr. Trump weighs military action, he has declined to make a clear case for why, or why now.

Photo: Pool photo by Fazry Ismail

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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Previous Episode

Chaos, Confusion and Defiance: The Global Fallout From the Tariff Ruling

February 23

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29m

The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that President Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from nearly every U.S. trading partner.

Tyler Pager, Ana Swanson and Andrew Ross Sorkin of The New York Times explain what comes next.

Guest:

Tyler Pager, a White House correspondent for The New York Times who covers the Trump administration.
Ana Swanson, a reporter in Washington who covers trade and international economics for The New York Times.
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a columnist and the founder and editor at large of DealBook.

Background reading:

Mr. Trump said he would raise his new global tariff to 15 percent after the Supreme Court struck down many of his previous tariffs.
The president’s response underscored his insistence that he should have expansive powers to carry out his agenda as he wishes.
Here are some key questions to consider on the future of the Trump administration’s tariffs.

Photo: Adam Amengual for The New York Times

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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Next Episode

Rosy Predictions, Angry Attacks: Trump’s State of the Union

February 25

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37m

In his first State of the Union address of his second term, President Trump offered a rosy portrait of a United States that has lost confidence in his leadership.

He also relentlessly baited Democrats, who want to win back control of Congress in the midterms this fall.

David E. Sanger, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, takes us inside the room.

Guest: David E. Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times, reporting on President Trump and his administration.

Background reading: