Intensified Strikes Hammer Iran & Cuba’s Final Chapter? | 3.11.26

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: Intensified Strikes Hammer Iran & Cuba’s Final Chapter? | 3.11.26

Date: March 11, 2026

Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

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Overview

This episode focuses on three escalating international and domestic crises: the United States’ most intense military strikes yet against Iran under “Operation Epic Fury,” the emerging collapse of Cuba’s communist regime, and the Trump administration’s moves to limit federal involvement in gender identity custody disputes. The hosts dissect recent military, political, and legal developments with expert guests, shedding light on America’s global strategy and culture war issues.

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1. Intensified Strikes Against Iran

Main Theme: The US dramatically escalates military operations inside Iran, targeting missiles, drones, and naval assets to force an end to the conflict while regional players and global markets react.

Key Points and Insights

• Pentagon’s Buildup: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ordered the deployment of the largest number of fighters, bombers, and airstrikes seen since the commencement of hostilities.

  • “On Tuesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth vowed that the US military would unleash its most intense strikes on Iran yet, and he followed through.” – Cabot Phillips [02:48]

• US Objectives: Three main goals are reiterated:

  • Destroy Iran’s missile and drone capabilities
  • Eliminate their navy to secure shipping lanes (notably the Strait of Hormuz)
  • Weaken the military-industrial base, including nuclear sites
  • “No hesitation, no half measures. We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [03:24]

• Middle Eastern Response:

  • Most regional allies support a quick conclusion, contingent on US achieving stated objectives (per retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt).
  • “The greatest fear of the Middle east is if we stop this war before those three goals are achieved… the countries in the region would question why the United States went to war if it did not achieve its core objectives.” – Mark Kimmitt [03:51]

• Market Reaction:

  • Optimism that the war’s end is near led to global market rebounds after the Monday plunge.
  • “Investors are clearly betting that this operation is entering its final stage.” – Cabot Phillips [04:36]

Notable Quotes

• “On day 10 of Operation EPIC Fury, we are winning with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [03:24]
• “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [03:41]

Timestamps

• 00:04 – Andres Martinez Fernandez announces the day’s escalation
• 02:28 – First recap of US strikes
• 03:51 – Gen. Mark Kimmitt on regional stakes

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2. Russia’s Alleged Support for Iran

Main Theme: US intelligence suggests Russia may be sharing sensitive locations with Iran, raising the conflict’s stakes.

Key Points and Insights

• Allegations of Intelligence Sharing: Russia is accused of giving Iran satellite imagery showing US military positions.
• Official Denials: The Kremlin directly denied the allegations to the White House, but skepticism remains.
• Expert Commentary:
  • “We have given a significant amount of intelligence over the last four years to Ukraine… So the fact that the Russians are returning that favor, quid pro quo does not surprise me.” – Mark Kimmitt [05:25]
  • Kimmitt urges the US to warn Russia against such actions to avoid escalating and lengthening the conflict.

Timestamps

• 05:03 – Russia/Iran intelligence revelations
• 05:25 – Gen. Kimmitt’s take

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3. US Relations with Rebel Groups & Iranian Naval Threat

Main Theme: Amid the war, the US weighs but declines deeper involvement with rebel groups and responds to Iranian mining attempts.

Key Points and Insights

• Rebel Groups: Reports emerged of CIA talks with Kurds and anti-Iranian factions; Trump reportedly rejected their involvement.
  • “They are willing to go in, but I’ve told them I don’t want them to go in.” – President Trump [06:12]
• Strait of Hormuz:
  • Evidence of Iran laying naval mines is countered by swift US action:
    • “We have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive mine laying boats and or ships with more to follow.” – Trump, via Truth Social [06:12]

Timestamps

• 06:02 – Rebel group discussion
• 06:12 – Strait of Hormuz developments

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4. Cuba’s Final Chapter?

Main Theme: As Cuba faces severe shortages and grid collapse, rumors swirl of a US-brokered exit for the Castro regime.

Key Points and Insights

• Crisis Details:
  • Fuel and food are scarce; power grid is collapsing.
  • Communist regime’s hold is slipping amid public unrest.
• Trump's Position:
  • Promises to “take care of Cuba,” treating it as a national security issue due to foreign influence (China, Russia).
  • “Ignoring it, as too often has been the case in Washington, is no longer compatible with US national security.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [08:43]
• Potential Economic Deal:
  • Sourced reports of secret talks, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offering a peaceful off-ramp for the ruling regime.
  • “There are at least some people on the island within the regime that recognizes that… it’s a time that’s pointing towards the sunset of this regime.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [09:27]
• Challenges of Transition:
  • Cuba’s economic devastation is tied to the regime’s control.
  • US policy is wary of repeating Obama-era reforms, demanding reciprocal concessions.
  • Significant pro-democracy sentiment persists within Cuba and its US diaspora.

Notable Quotes

• “They want freedom. They want to be reintegrated into the global system. They don’t want to live in a Cold War artifact.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [00:45]
• “The heart of the economic and humanitarian crisis in Cuba comes from the the regime’s own control of every aspect of the economy and life.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [10:01]

Timestamps

• 08:11 – Georgia Howe introduces Cuba crisis
• 08:34 – Interview with Andres Martinez Fernandez
• 09:27 – On secret economic deal
• 11:38 – Path to democratic transition

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5. Federal Response to Gender Identity Custody Disputes

Main Theme: Trump administration moves to prevent loss of parental rights over refusal to affirm children’s gender transitions, setting sharp contrast with previous federal approach.

Key Points and Insights

• Context: Citing the high-profile case of Sage Blair, where parents lost custody for not affirming their child’s trans identity, Trump’s administration sets new federal policy.
• Federal Guidance: Health and Human Services (HHS) notifies all states that not affirming a child’s claimed gender is not child abuse or neglect under federal law.
  • “Acknowledging biological reality and exercising sincerely held religious beliefs should not constitute child abuse or neglect under federal law.” – Brian Christine, HHS [15:17]
• Contrast with Previous Policy:
  • “A stark contrast… Admiral Christine and his predecessor, Admiral Rachel Levine, who pushed gender transitions at every turn.” – Meg Brock [15:29]
• Push for Permanent Protection:
  • Activists seek federal legislation; some states (Indiana, North Carolina, Texas) have already clarified the law locally.
• Texas Enforcement:
  • Attorney General Ken Paxton sues health systems and doctors thought to circumvent the state ban (SB14).
  • Paxton closes loopholes for therapists aiding transitions despite ban.

Notable Quotes

• “The Administration for Children and Families has now alerted all 50 states that affirming biological reality does not constitute child abuse or neglect under federal law.” – Meg Brock [14:52]
• “Our president exposed the reality of what is taking place in some of our schools across the country.” – Brian Christine [15:07]

Timestamps

• 13:37 – Introduction of custody issue segment
• 13:58 – Meg Brock on administration’s move
• 15:17 – HHS policy statement
• 16:10 – Texas legal actions

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Memorable Moments & Closing Thoughts

• The episode delivers fast-paced, high-stakes reporting on both international power plays and tumultuous domestic debates, with a tone of urgency and clear ideological perspective.
• Striking language from government officials reflects an administration intent on pursuing maximalist outcomes:
  • “No hesitation, no half measures. We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.” [03:24]
• The podcast connects these headlines to the broader theme of American strength and skepticism of progressive policies, contrasting current federal actions with recent history.

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Important Segments & Quotes (With Timestamps)

• Intensity of US strikes in Iran: “On day 10 of Operation EPIC Fury, we are winning with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [03:24]
• Middle East regional stakes: “The greatest fear…is if we stop this war before those three goals are achieved.” – Mark Kimmitt [03:51]
• Russia-Iran intel sharing: “The fact that the Russians are returning that favor, quid pro quo, does not surprise me.” – Mark Kimmitt [05:25]
• Cuba’s future: “Ignoring it… is no longer compatible with US national security.” – Andres Martinez Fernandez [08:43]
• Parental rights in gender disputes: “Affirming biological reality does not constitute child abuse or neglect under federal law.” – HHS official Brian Christine [15:17]

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This summary covers all major topics and moments from the 3/11/2026 Morning Wire episode, providing context, expert insights, and direct quotes for clarity and engagement.

Transcript

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran. The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes, intelligence more refined and better than ever.

[John Bickley]

The Pentagon is cranking up the volume on Iran while the regime once again threatens President Trump. I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Wednesday, March 11th. This is Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

As missiles fly in the Middle east, another crisis is brewing just 90 miles off the coast of the U.S. how will President Trump take care of Cuba?

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

They want freedom. They want to be reintegrated into the global system. They don't want to live in a Cold War artifact.

[John Bickley]

And after gender identity disputes lead to custody issues across the country, the Trump administration looks to change federal we can

[Brian Christine]

all agree no state can be allowed to rip children from their parents arms and transition them to a new gender

[John Bickley]

against the parents will thanks for waking

[Georgia Howe]

up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Georgia Howe]

The United States hammered Iran on Tuesday with its most intense strikes yet. As President Trump says, Operation Epic Fury could soon come to a close.

[John Bickley]

Wired In Live host Cabot Phillips is here with More. Hey, Cabot. So, a flurry of activity in Iran over the last 24 hours. Lots to monitor, to say the least. So what is the latest in the operation?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. On Tuesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth vowed that the US military would unleash its most intense strikes on Iran yet, and he followed through. Over the last 24 hours, the US deployed more fighters, bombers, and strikes than at any point since the conflict began, while the Iranians responded with fewer missiles than ever. Hegseth, joined by General Dan Kaine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, reiterated the top three priorities for the destroying Iran's missile and drone capabilities, taking out their navy to protect shipping lanes, and weakening the country's military industrial base, including nuclear research sites and related infrastructure.

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

On day 10 of Operation EPIC Fury, we are winning with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives. No hesitation, no half measures. We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.

[Cabot Phillips]

For more on the US urgency to achieve those three goals and also what it means for the US's standing in the Middle East. I spoke with retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt. Have a listen.

[Brian Christine]

Well, in the middle of a war, it's hard to get a tape measure out in terms of the US standing. Most of the countries in the region just want this over. They understand the benefits to their countries by the United States actions if, in fact, Iran is neutered with its ballistic missiles, with its proxies, and with its nuclear program. I think the greatest fear of the Middle east is if we stop this war before those three goals are achieved. And I think at that point, the countries in the region would question why the United States went to war if it did not achieve its core objectives in that fight.

[Cabot Phillips]

Despite those massive strikes Tuesday, there appeared to be growing optimism that an end to the conflict is in sight. That was certainly reflected in markets worldwide, which enjoyed a nice rebound after plummeting on Monday. So investors are clearly betting that this operation is entering its final stage.

[John Bickley]

Certainly a lot of Americans hoping they're right on that front. Now, there was reports earlier this week that Russia is sharing intelligence with the Iranians. Have we learned more about those reports?

[Cabot Phillips]

Right. They were allegedly disclosing to the Iranians sensitive locations, satellite imagery showing where US military assets in the region were. But on Tuesday, the Kremlin denied those allegations directly to the White House, with Trump's Middle east envoy, Steve Witkoff saying, quote, we can take them at their word. But according to General Kimmitt, there's plenty of reason to believe the Russians are not telling the truth. Have a listen.

[Brian Christine]

We have given a significant amount of intelligence over the last four years to Ukraine about the targeting of Russian positions. So the fact that the Russians are returning that favor, quid pro quo does not surprise me. I think we need to make it very clear to Vladimir Putin that that's unacceptable and should be halted immediately, primarily because that will only extend the war and raise the costs of the war between the United States and Iran and that certainly will have second order effects on his country.

[John Bickley]

Now last week there were rumors that the US Was working with rebel groups in the region to potentially mount an offensive against Iran. What is the latest on that front?

[Cabot Phillips]

Right, so according to numerous reports, the CIA had been in talks with Kurdish leaders in Iraq and other anti Iranian groups with the aim of fomenting an uprising against the regime. That arrangement included potentially supplying them US Weapons. But this week President Trump shot down the idea saying, quote, they are willing to go in, but I've told them I don't want them to go in. And one more thing to monitor here. According to a CNN report Tuesday, U.S. intelligence indicates that Iran has begun laying underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump initially said Tuesday, quote, we have no reports of them doing so. But an hour later announced on Truth Social, quote, I'm pleased to report that within the last few hours we have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive min laying boats and or ships with more to follow. Remember, the US Is intent on opening up the strait to allow oil and gas to flow back through. So this is a crucial angle to

[John Bickley]

keep an eye on very complex operation going on. Cabot, thanks so much for reporting.

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[Georgia Howe]

While the war in Iran has consumed the headlines, the growing crisis in Cuba has largely gone under the radar. Its communist regime is teetering as the population there faces extreme fuel and food shortages and the near total collapse of its power grid.

[John Bickley]

Joining us now to discuss is Andres Martinez Fernandez, senior policy analyst for Latin America at the Heritage Foundation. Andres, thanks for coming on.

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

Thanks for having me.

[John Bickley]

So President Trump has said he will take care of Cuba. That's his language there. What exactly does that mean?

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

Well, I think that it means that President Trump is going to be looking very seriously at the security threat and the human rights threat that the Cuban dictatorship has posed. And it has acted as a landing pad essentially for extra hemispheric actors like China and Russia. And all that means that ignoring it, as too often has been the case in Washington, is no longer compatible with US national security.

[John Bickley]

Now there's news of an economic deal in the works with Cuba that provides an off ramp for the Castros. Potentially. That's what we're reading. What do we know about that potential deal?

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

A lot of the reporting has been very unspecific. We are aware generally based on reporting of talks that have been going on between the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and individuals within Cuba. Generally, the view is that there are at least some people on the island within the regime that recognizes that essentially what time it is, that's a time that's pointing towards the sunset of this regime.

[John Bickley]

What would be the goals for America of a deal with Cuba on a political level or on an economic level?

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

It's really difficult to separate the economic realities in Cuba from the political realities from Cuba. The heart of the economic and humanitarian crisis in Cuba comes from the the regime's own control of every aspect of the economy and life essentially on the island that has developed. The complete devastation of the once functional economy there and has left the people on Cuba really suffering to access even basic goods. So leaving that kind of model or even a lot of those actors in, in place to any significant degree is really going to be a challenge to cure a more prosperous, more free and more integrated economy in Cuba. And I think certainly Secretary Rubio will be well aware of some of the pitfalls that the United States has fallen into in the past. For example, under Barack Obama, with the Cuban dictatorship, opened broadly US Economic engagement, tourism, normalized political relations with the regime with seeking really nothing in exchange. That's a model that, that is not one for success in Cuba. And certainly this administration is keenly aware of that.

[John Bickley]

How primed is Cuba for a complete transformation of its governmental system to a more democratic capitalist program?

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

Well, I think there are going to be a lot of challenges in a broader transformation of the island. There are a lot of factors that are going to facilitate the transformation positively of the economy and the political system in Cuba. The fact that this is an island that's 90 miles off of the shores of the United States and has a substantial ongoing connections between the United States and the island. A big part of that is the Cuban diaspora, which is very active within US Politics and has many leaders within the United States and within the Cuban diaspora have really been looking towards a day where there's a reopening of the democratic and prosperous Cuba that they once knew and want to be a part of that solution.

[John Bickley]

Well, it's, it's a precarious kind of moment, but it's also a very exciting prospect, the idea of seeing real change in Cuba for the Cuban people who have been suffering for a very long time, as you've laid out. Thank you so much for joining us.

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

Thank you so much for having me,

[John Bickley]

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[Georgia Howe]

Here with more on that effort is investigative reporter Meg Brock. Meg, thanks for coming on.

[Meg Brock]

Thanks for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

So a lot going on with this battle that you've been reporting on here at Daily Wire, including the Trump administration's latest action on this policy. So let's start there. What exactly has the president done with regards to the parental rights in custody issue?

[Andres Martinez Fernandez]

Yeah.

[Meg Brock]

As the Morning Wire has previously reported, during his campaign, President Trump vowed to eradicate gender ideology from the federal government and so this is him again taking action to keep that promise. Now, as John mentioned during the State of the Union address, Trump shared the story of Sage Blair, who is a teen that was secretly transitioned to another sex at school and then her parents lost custody of her because they would not affirm her identity as a boy.

[Brian Christine]

After she was found in a horrific situation in Maryland, a left wing judge refused to return Sage to her parents because they did not immediately state that their daughter was their son. Sage was thrown into an all boys stayed home and suffered terribly for a long time. But today all of that is behind them because Sage is a proud and wonderful young woman.

[Meg Brock]

The Administration for Children and Families has now alerted all 50 states that affirming biological reality does not constitute child abuse or neglect under federal law. Here's Assistant Secretary for Health Brian Christine explaining the administration's position.

[Brian Christine]

Our president exposed the reality of what is taking place in some of our schools across the country. And in response, HHS is sending a

[Meg Brock]

clear and unequivocal Message to all 50

[Brian Christine]

states about cases like that of Sage Blair. Acknowledging biological reality and exercising sincerely held religious beliefs should not constitute child abuse or neglect under federal law.

[Meg Brock]

First, it's worth noting the stark contrast of messaging between Admiral Christine and his predecessor, Admiral Rachel Levine, who pushed gender transitions at every turn.

[Georgia Howe]

Right. So a complete 180 there. Now, is this actually enough for those parents calling for federal action? Will this actually prevent these things from happening in family courts?

[Meg Brock]

Now, advocates would definitely like to see more permanent protections. Parental rights activists I've spoken to would love to see federal legislation passed affirming that you can't name parents as abusers for affirming their child's sex. Several states have already taken steps to legally clarify that affirming a child's sex is not abuse, including Indiana, North Carolina and Texas.

[Georgia Howe]

Now, speaking of Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton has been taking a lot of action on this in his state. Can you tell us what exactly he's done?

[Meg Brock]

Yeah. So just a couple of weeks ago, he announced that he'd filed a lawsuit against a major pediatric health system and a radical gender activist doctor for violating state law banning transing children. For some background here, the state of Texas passed a law back in 2023, SB14, that outlawed so called gender affirming care for kids. This includes both hormone treatments and surgeries. The law allowed for a weaning period for children currently under hormone therapy so they wouldn't have to stop cold turkey. However, at least one clinic seems to have found a loophole in this provision. The Children's Health System of Texas partnered with the University of Texas Southwestern to open a gender clinic in 2015. Now, it was publicly closed in March 2022, but the same team involved in the clinic apparently continued seeing patients and conducting these same procedures without the gender clinic branding. Now, the clinic allegedly exploited the weaning provision to keep patients functionally transitioned until they turned 18 and could legally resume hormone treatment.

[Georgia Howe]

So not weaning them at all.

[Meg Brock]

Yep, exactly. And totally separate from this lawsuit, Paxton also closed a loophole that could have allowed therapists to get around SB14. He said that psychologists, counselors and social workers in Texas can be penalized just like doctors for helping facilitate children's sex changes under the state's ban on sex. Rejecting interventions, going straight to the source there.

[Georgia Howe]

Meg, thanks for reporting.

[Meg Brock]

Anytime.

[John Bickley]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're listening to the show, you can now watch the show free on Daily Wire plus us. We'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.