Morning Wire: ‘Epic Fury’ Shreds Iran & Stateside Terror Scares | March 9, 2026

Hosts: John Bickley (Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe
Key Guests: Cabot Phillips, Tim Pierce, Victoria Coats

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the tenth day of “Operation Epic Fury”—the large-scale U.S. and Israeli military campaign unfolding in Iran. The hosts break down the rapid military gains, Iran’s political turmoil, explosive terror scares in the U.S. and Europe, and the global economic impacts, especially concerning energy and security. Expert guests provide insight into both the shifting military landscape and rising terror threats.

1. Military Developments in Iran

Air Superiority and Strategic Bombing

[02:33–04:39]

• U.S. and Israeli forces have firmly established air superiority over Iran, escalating the scope and scale of their bombing runs.
• Notable new targets: Iranian fuel depots and energy infrastructure, aiming to debilitate Iran’s retaliatory capacity.
• “Extraordinary footage from Tehran showed enormous fires climbing hundreds of feet into the sky, engulfing the city in thick black smoke. It was apocalyptic.” —Cabot Phillips [03:11]

Iran’s Diminished Response

[03:57–05:46]

• Iran’s counterattacks continue but are largely ineffective. Many Iranian missile launches occur from civilian areas, increasing risks for their own populace.
• U.S. Central Command openly warned Iranian citizens to take shelter: “Their safety cannot be guaranteed and that they should stay home.” —Kassia Kiva [04:14]

Regime Chaos and Succession

[04:39–05:52]

• President of Iran made a rare apology on air for attacks against neighbors, blaming unauthorized military actions, but Iran resumed missile strikes hours later—highlighting confusion within the regime.
• “It just gives an idea of the chaos and confusion within the Iranian ranks.” —Cabot Phillips [05:12]
• Succession update: Iranian clerics named Khamenei’s son, Mujtaba, as successor. President Trump claimed, “Whomever the Iranians pick is going to have to get approval from us.” [06:05]

2. U.S. Political Fallout and Public Opinion

Domestic Risk and Public Opinion

[06:11–07:06]

• Majority of Republicans back Trump’s approach, but “polling shows that anywhere from the high 40s to 60% of Americans as a whole disapprove of this operation.” —Cabot Phillips [06:18]
• Rising U.S. military casualties (seven reported so far) and the prospect of prolonged crisis increased political risk, especially with midterms approaching.
• Gas prices and economic concerns are top voter issues: “Every penny paid at the pump matters with voters.” —Cabot Phillips [06:54]

3. Terror Threats Related to the Conflict

New York City: Bomb Threat at Mayor’s Residence

[08:05–09:41]

• Two men arrested after one threw a makeshift bomb during a protest near Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s home. Suspect Amar Balat shouted “Allahu Akbar.”
• Mayor’s controversial response focused on criticizing protest organizers rather than the perpetrator.
• NYPD Commissioner: “No indication that this is related to the ongoing hostilities in Iran, but the investigation is still ongoing given the heightened threat environment.” —Victoria Coats quoting NYPD [09:23]

Oslo: Bomb Outside U.S. Embassy

[09:49–10:31]

• Early Sunday, a bomb detonated at the U.S. embassy in Norway, causing minor damage. Authorities suspect a possible connection to Operation Epic Fury. No injuries reported.
• Azeri authorities foiled another Iranian-linked plot targeting their embassy.

Other U.S. & Global Scares

[10:44–11:33]

• A Southwest flight was diverted due to a “security matter” after a man was reportedly seen texting threats.
• Kansas City Airport evacuated for a bomb threat—ruled non-credible but underscored national anxiety.

4. Economic & Global Effects

Energy Prices & Supply Disruptions

Guest: Victoria Coats ([12:15–14:34])

• Qatar halts natural gas production for first time in 30 years; Kuwait is also curtailing output.
• “When you do shutter the wells, it takes a while to get them back into production,” Coats warns. Even if temporary, the spike in oil and gas prices will be sharp.
• Advice to Americans: “You might want to fill your tank up today and get through the next week or so if you can.” —Victoria Coats [13:31]

Long-Term U.S. Economic Impact

[14:34–15:01]

• Short term: Pressure relief can come from reserve releases, but that isn’t a sustainable solution.
• Long term: “This means we’ll be in a better position to sell more natural gas to Europe…if we ramp up production.” —Victoria Coats [14:41]

5. Security Risks at Home

Rising Terror Risks

[15:32–16:28]

• U.S. and Europe are on alert for “sleeper cell” activity, with estimates of hundreds of Iranian nationals crossing into the U.S. in previous years.
• Attacks may not only come from Iranians: “They tend to hire nationals from third countries.” —Victoria Coats [15:50]
• Increased vigilance at soft targets is urged.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’ve wiped out their navy, we’ve wiped out their Air force, we’ve wiped out most of their missiles.” —President Trump (quoted by John Bickley) [00:28]
• “It’s where they cry uncle. Or when they can’t fight any longer, there’s nobody around to cry uncle.” —President Trump [05:46]
• “This has been pretty dramatic. We have essentially control of both the air and the sea, and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it.” —Victoria Coats [15:15]
• “Unfortunately, I think that is all too likely in coming weeks.” —Victoria Coats, on the likelihood of future terror incidents [16:18]

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Military gains and strategy in Iran — 02:33–05:46
• Iranian government chaos and succession — 04:39–05:52
• U.S. public opinion and risks — 06:11–07:06
• Stateside and global terror scares — 08:05–11:33
• Economic fallout and energy impacts — 12:15–15:01
• Home-front security risks — 15:32–16:28

Summary

This episode of Morning Wire delivers a comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground snapshot of a pivotal moment in the Iran conflict. Listeners are brought up to speed on U.S. and Israeli military dominance, internal Iranian disorder, and the ripple effects hitting both global markets and local security in the West. Heightened alert for terror attacks and rising economic anxiety dominate the domestic front, while regional American power hits a new peak. Expert interviews and real-time reporting capture the volatility and urgency shaping this international crisis.