The Dispatch Podcast The End of Operation Epic Fury
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May 8, 2026 
Mike Warren, reporter and geopolitical analyst; Megan McArdle, economist and policy commentator; Jonah Goldberg, conservative columnist and political strategist. They debate the pause and claimed success of Operation Epic Fury. They unpack Pakistan and Saudi roles, military objectives versus reality, economic fallout from a blockade, and how Trump’s shifting decisions and intra-party retribution shape political fallout.
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Declaring An Operation Over Does Not End A War
- The White House framed Operation Epic Fury as a legal and political closure but practical measures (naval blockade, strikes) continue to amount to acts of war.
- Jonah Goldberg warns declaring an operation over doesn't end a conflict and calls the blockade an act of war.
Stated Military Goals Largely Unmet
- The administration has not credibly achieved its stated war objectives: missiles largely survive and the nuclear stockpile was untouched.
- Megan McArdle argues the U.S. cannot plausibly claim it prevented Iran from obtaining nukes and questions the national benefit gained.
Economic Costs Are Driving Diplomatic Shifts
- Economic pain at home (higher gas, fertilizer, petrochemicals) is a decisive constraint shaping the administration's choices.
- Megan and Steve note the Strait of Hormuz blockade is raising gas prices and will ripple into supply chains and GDP.