Boston University shooting, synagogue attack raise security concerns

Iran's new leader vows to block Strait of Hormuz, rattling global economy

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:25am

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Thursday's PBS NewsHour episode covered a synagogue attack and university shooting in the U.S. that have renewed security concerns, as well as Iran's new supreme leader vowing to block the Strait of Hormuz, which is rattling the global economy. The program also examined the situation for Christians in Lebanon caught in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Why it matters

The recent attacks on a synagogue and university campus highlight ongoing security challenges in the U.S., while Iran's threats to disrupt global oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could have major economic consequences worldwide. The plight of Lebanese Christians caught in the regional tensions also illustrates the human toll of the broader geopolitical conflicts.

The details

The PBS NewsHour report covered details of a synagogue attack and university shooting that have raised new security concerns in the U.S. The program also examined Iran's new supreme leader's vow to maintain a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil chokepoint, which is rattling financial markets. Additionally, the episode looked at the situation for Christian communities in Lebanon who are caught in the middle of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

  • The PBS NewsHour episode aired on March 12, 2026.

The players

Iran

The country whose new supreme leader has vowed to keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, which is rattling the global economy.

Hezbollah

The Lebanese Shia Muslim political party and militant group that is engaged in an escalating conflict with Israel, impacting Christian communities in the region.

Israel

The country involved in the escalating conflict with Hezbollah that is impacting Christian communities in Lebanon.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This PBS NewsHour episode highlights the complex security, economic, and geopolitical challenges facing the U.S. and the broader Middle East region, from domestic attacks to regional conflicts that are impacting vulnerable populations like Christian communities in Lebanon.