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.
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
Join Hudson Institute for a discussion with Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Senior Fellow Harold Furchtgott-Roth.
Join Senior Fellow Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) for a fireside discussion on how Congress can guide American strategy, the need to modernize the defense industrial base, and the vital role of allies and partners in an unstable international environment.
Join Senior Fellow Michael Doran for a candid conversation with H.E. Narek Mkrtchyan, ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States of America, as they discuss the developments, challenges, and opportunities defining the US-Armenia relationship.
