Operation Epic Fury: Strategy, State of Play, and Theories of Victory

March 2026

Past Event

Operation Epic Fury: Strategy, State of Play, and Theories of Victory

Past Event

Invite Only

March 24, 2026

A plume of smoke rises after a strike on the Iranian capital Tehran, on March 3, 2026. (Getty Images)

March 2026

Past Event

Speakers:

David Albright

Founder and President, Institute for Science and International Security

Rebeccah L. Heinrichs

Senior Fellow and Director, Keystone Defense Initiative

Ray Takeyh

Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Ilan Berman

Senior Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council

H.E. Yechiel Leiter

Ambassador, Israel to the United States

Mariam Memarsadeghi

Founder, Cyrus Forum for Iran’s Future

Operation Epic Fury marks a decisive moment in the Middle East, reflecting a new phase of US-led military coordination, regional alignment, and strategic competition with Iran. The operation’s early successes have reshaped the battlefield—but critical questions remain about its origins, trajectory, and ultimate objectives.

This conference convenes leading experts and policymakers to examine why the conflict began, assess the current state of play, and explore competing theories of victory. Together, these discussions aim to clarify not only how the war is unfolding, but what its outcome will mean for the future of US strategy in the region and beyond.

Agenda

9:00 a.m. | Opening Remarks

Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East, Hudson Institute

9:10 a.m. | Panel I: Why the War Started

Moderator: Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director, Hudson Institute

· Can Kasapoğlu, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

· David Albright, Founder and President, Institute for Science and International Security

10:15 a.m. | Panel II: The State of Play

Moderator: Nadav Samin, Fellow, Hudson Institute

· Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

· Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

· Can Kasapoğlu, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute

11:30 a.m. | Panel III: Theories of Victory

Moderator: Zineb Riboua, Research Fellow, Hudson Institute

· Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director, Hudson Institute

· Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President, American Foreign Policy Council

· Mariam Memarsadeghi, Founder, Cyrus Forum for Iran’s Future

12:30 p.m. | Fireside Chat and Keynote Address

Moderator: Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director, Hudson Institute

· H.E. Dr. Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, Ambassador of Israel to the United States

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