Fog of Words: Trump’s Shifting War Rationale

A truck ramming at a Detroit-area synagogue is being investigated as a targeted attack. The White House initiates a new plan to lower oil prices. And the Oscar race is far from certain ahead of Sunday’s Academy Awards.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran attacks a series of oil tankers around the Persian Gulf, as several countries decide to draw on their strategic oil reserves. California police departments are warned of potential Iranian drone attacks. And lawmakers demand answers on a strike that hit an Iranian elementary school.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After mixed messages from President Trump, the U.S. military steps up its attacks in Iran. Meanwhile, Iranians express conflicted opinions about their views on war. And New Mexico agents search Jeffrey Epstein’s ranch for the first time, years after his death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump tries to stop panic in oil markets, but refuses to shift course on war in Iran. Russia seizes on energy shortages as an opportunity to sidestep sanctions. And law enforcement officials warn about awakening Iranian “sleeper agents.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran’s clerics choose a new ayatollah. American officials face questions over a strike at a girls’ school. And New York police say a pair of men threw improvised explosive devices during a clash with anti-Islam protesters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After an escalating series of controversies, President Trump dismisses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Israel tries to destroy Hezbollah with a series of strikes on Beirut. And oil prices skyrocket, spooking the stock market and economists alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time since World War Two, a U.S. submarine destroys a foreign warship. Kurdish fighting forces say they’re ready for a ground invasion of Iran. And the Texas Senate primary set a record for Democratic turnout, underlining the stakes of midterm elections.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Iran hitting embassies and residential areas around the Middle East, Americans scramble to escape the region. The Pentagon names the first U.S. troops killed in the Iran conflict. And senators grill Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he foresees an Iran war extending four weeks or more, while the White House offers conflicting justifications for military action. The Pentagon readies for inevitable American casualties. And midterm primaries begin in Texas, Arkansas and North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special edition of Start Here, we’ll break down this weekend’s historic strikes on Iran, the counterattacks, and the long-term goals of the Trump Administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices