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

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