The Fox News Rundown

This week, the world watched as "Operation Epic Fury" fundamentally altered Iran's future. But for those who fled the regime’s oppression decades ago, this moment is deeply personal. Earlier this week, FOX News Rundown host Jessica Rosenthal spoke with two Iranian Americans—Board-certified physician Dr. Houman Hemmati and journalist Tabby Refael—to discuss their families' escape from the first Ayatollah and their reactions to the dismantling of the current regime. They shared their immense gratitude to the United States and explained why, for the first time in years, they have high hopes for a free Iran. We often have to trim our interviews during the week, but we thought you’d like to hear our entire, unedited conversations with both guests. Today on the FOX News Rundown Extra, we share our full interviews with Dr. Houman Hemmati and Tabby Refael. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Department of Homeland Security nears week three of a partial shutdown, caused by a funding lapse over Democrat-led demands for ICE reform, the United States has begun widespread military operations in Iran - raising renewed concerns about potential threats on U.S. soil. Former Senior Advisor at the Department of Homeland Security Charles Marino joins the Rundown to address those concerns, also weighing in on the firing of now-former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her replacement, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). Later, Former Chief of Staff to the National Security Council Alex Gray joins to unpack the broader geopolitical impact of Operation ‘Epic Fury.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iranians across their own country, in the United States and across the world have been celebrating the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes continue. Iranians were first in disbelief but now they dare to dream their country will be free from the brutal Muslim regime of the Ayatollah. Many Iranians who's families fled in the 1970's remember an Iran, in the heart of the Middle East but with Western ideas of promoting individual liberty, democratic governance, and self-rule. FOX’s Tonya J. Powers speaks with Nazee Moinian, associate fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C. and author of the book, "Narratives of Grievance in Iran’s Foreign Policy," who shares her family's story and explains why Iranians are so grateful to the United States and Israel for this military action against tyranny. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

February's jobs numbers are a disappointment, as the Labor Department reported the U.S. economy shed 92,000 jobs last month. Meanwhile, military conflict in Iran has sparked a surge in oil prices, raising concerns over how high they could go and how long the increase will last. Michael Lee, founder of Michael Lee Strategy, joins FOX Business Contributor Lou Basenese to discuss the jobs data, the Mideast conflict's impact on energy, and why investors have reasons to be optimistic despite some of the recent economic headlines. Then, Lee discusses which AI companies he’s watching and why the fear of AI killing software jobs may be overblown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is being removed from her role following a difficult week of congressional hearings and mounting questions about her leadership. Meanwhile, military strikes on Iran continue alongside concerns on Capitol Hill over the duration of Operation Epic Fury, the extent of the President's authority to act against Iran, and energy prices. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins the Rundown to discuss the political fight at home over the conflict, the intelligence behind the "imminent threat" from Iran’s nuclear program, and how rising energy costs could shape voter sentiment ahead of the midterms. The modern battlefield is changing, driven largely by the rise of drones. The U.S. military has deployed one-way attack drones in combat against Iran for the first time, marking a significant escalation in a conflict defined by massive drone and missile barrages. Meanwhile, U.S. forces are learning firsthand the challenges of neutralizing Iran's drone arsenal. Former Army Special Ops intelligence analyst and FOX News Contributor Brett Velicovich joins to discuss the evolution of military drone strategy, the high cost of using sophisticated interceptors against low-cost enemy tech, and the rising threat of weaponized commercial drones. Plus, commentary by Jason Rantz, Host of the Jason Rantz Show and author of “What’s Killing America.” PHOTO CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel has launched a new wave of intense airstrikes on Iran and Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Israeli forces say they targeted key infrastructure linked to the Iranian government, including a missile launcher in Qom and an air defense system in Isfahan. The IDF is also heavily targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia, Iran's volunteer paramilitary force, who were both behind the violent, bloody crackdown on protesters in January. FOX’s Jonathan Savage speaks with Trey Yingst, chief foreign correspondent for the FOX News Channel, reporting from Tel Aviv, Israel, who says operations to destroy Iranian missile capabilities are a major focus now. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For many Iranian Americans, the news of the Ayatollah’s death marked the closing of a painful chapter that began decades ago when families fled the regime’s rise. As the U.S. remains divided over the recent strikes, with the latest FOX News poll showing support split nearly 50-50, many in the Iranian diaspora are reflecting on their past while cautiously hoping for a different future for the country they once called home. Iranian American journalist and activist Tabby Refael and board-certified physician Dr. Houman Hemmati join the Rundown to share why the moment feels “bittersweet,” and what they believe could come next for Iran and its people. In the wake of Colin Gray’s conviction for his role in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, a critical dialogue has emerged regarding parental accountability, and the preventable nature of gun violence. Board-certified forensic psychiatrist Dr. Dan Bober joins to discuss the tragic combination of adolescent grievances and easy firearm access, the psychological script that leads marginalized youth to idolize past shooters, and his expert advice for parents on identifying warning signs of potential violent intent. Plus, commentary by FOX News contributor, Joe Concha. PHOTO CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressing disappointment that some traditional U.S. allies are pushing back on the use of force against Iran while Washington presses forward with its campaign against the terror state. The criticism reflects growing frustration inside the administration that while some European capitals have issued statements of support, operational backing has not matched the rhetoric, raising fresh questions about NATO cohesion at a moment of escalation. Spain refused U.S. permission to use certain bases for strikes on Iran, and Turkey has also criticized the operation and warned of broader regional destabilization. FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Victoria Coates, former deputy national security advisor to President Donald Trump, Vice President of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation, and author of 'The Battle for the Jewish State: How Israel―and America―Can Win,' who says the lack of support by longtime allies is surprising, and it could have a large effect on the balance power in the world. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reaction from around the world pours in as the U.S. and Israel strike targets in Iran. Thousands of flights have been canceled across the Middle East and beyond as rattled markets react to higher oil prices. On Tuesday, President Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled a unified front against the regime during a meeting in the Oval Office. Amid reports that the strikes were a preemptive move to neutralize a rapidly advancing Iranian nuclear program, the President acknowledged the risk of future instability while expressing hope for a domestic military stand-down. Alex Gray, former Chief of Staff to the National Security Council, breaks down what he believes led up to this weekend’s strike, the "downstream effects" of this escalation, and what it means for other global flashpoints like Ukraine and the South China Sea.Multiple direct military strikes by the U.S. and Israel have killed Iran’s top leadership, escalating decades of proxy tensions into a high-stakes, open confrontation. Senior fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute Tevi Troy joins to discuss how the relationship devolved from a century-old alliance and celebratory parades into a modern struggle against a radical regime. Plus, commentary by Ruthless podcast co-host Michael Duncan. AP Photo Credit: Vahid Salemi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As 'Operation: Epic Fury' rolls on with great speed and success against the IRGC, the future Iran could be ruled by a group of factions that haven't agreed until recently. In a historic and unprecedented development, a broad cross-section of the Iranian opposition, including monarchists, liberals, and ethnic minority representatives, has formally united under one umbrella: the Iran Freedom Congress (IFC). It marks the first time since 1979 that such ideologically diverse factions have come together in a single organized front. Representatives from these groups met in London late February and will meet again at the end of March to discuss what an Iran free from Ayatollah rule could look like. FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Mehrdad 'Marty' Youssefiani, who served for nearly two decades as chief strategic counselor to Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince and a prominent figure in the Iranian opposition, and Shahryar Ahy, and an advocate for democratic transition in Iran, who says it will take a coalition of opposition groups to stabilize the country. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration says "Operation Epic Fury" is moving ahead of schedule in Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched military operations there, with over a thousand targets struck in the first 24 hours. From dismantling ballistic missile sites to neutralizing naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz, the objectives are clear—but can they be met in just one month? John Spencer, Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute and Chair of War Studies at the Madison Policy Forum, joins the Rundown to discuss why this operation is unlike anything seen in modern warfare, and why he believes it can finally put an end to a 47-year conflict.The 2026 elections start today with the first primaries. Most of the focus is on Texas, where there are close contests in both parties for the U.S. Senate. For the Republicans, incumbent Senator John Cornyn is facing two challengers: Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico are facing off to be the Democratic nominee in an attempt to flip Cornyn’s seat blue. Daron Shaw—a Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, a Republican pollster, and a member of the FOX News Decision Desk—breaks down the high-profile and bitter race for the Senate, other key primary contests, and how the conflict in Iran could impact the midterms. Plus, commentary by Brian Kilmeade, co-host of FOX News Channel's FOX & Friends. Photo credit: Mohsen Ganji Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is the third day of strikes in the Middle East today, part of the U.S.-Israel led Operation 'Epic Fury' that started over the weekend against Iran. Iran and its proxies have been returning fire, targeting Israel and other nations in the region with missile strikes targeting oil infrastructure. President Trump has said the IRGC no longer has a headquarters, nearly fifty of their military leaders have been killed, nine Iranian military vessels have been sunk, and he is also mourning three American service members killed and five wounded adding 'there will likely be more before it ends.” FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Amichai Chikli, the Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism in the Government and former IDF Combat Officer, who says plans to take out Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have been in the works for years. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oil prices are surging following this weekend’s US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Fears mount that the conflict could drag on for weeks. Compounding that concern are reports that Iran is moving to restrict passage in the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical oil export route. a prolonged blockade – and the potential targeting of oil facilities -- could create a severe global supply crunch. The destabilization of the region is also impacting other industries, including travel and banking. Meanwhile, gold and the dollar bounced as investors moved to safety, fearing the military operation could be prolonged. FOX Business Network’s Taylor speaks with her Big Money Show co-host Jackie DeAngelis about how Operation Epic Fury has the oil markets on edge, and what it could mean for gas prices in the coming weeks and months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East faces a major geopolitical shift following a joint U.S. and Israeli operation in Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top commanders. President Trump ordered the strike with the goal of "giving the country back to the Iranian people," sparking debate in Washington over executive authority and the War Powers Act. Texas Republican Congressman Pat Fallon, a member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, joins the Rundown to discuss the strategic implications of the attack, and the risk of retaliation at home. With 30 million Americans living with a rare disease, is the traditional "blockbuster" drug model failing the approximately one in 11 people who need specialized care? Judy Stecker, founder of Wheeler’s Warriors and former HHS official, joins us to discuss a historic shift at the FDA. From the groundbreaking use of genome editing to treat metabolic diseases to the emotional journey of her son Wheeler, Stecker explains how she believes the science of "genetic patches" has finally outpaced our regulatory system. Plus, commentary by Senior Fellow at the Lexington Institute, Dr. Rebecca Grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The restaurant and food service industry is the nation's second-largest private-sector employer, trailing only healthcare. How this industry performs is vital to the American economy, its millions of workers, and their customers. According to a recent National Restaurant Association survey, 60% of Americans consider dining out essential to their lifestyle, prioritizing it over electronics, clothing, and even entertainment. Yet, a massive disconnect remains: 7 in 10 Americans say they would dine out more if they could afford it, while 60% of restaurant owners reported a drop in foot traffic last year. Earlier this week, FOX News Rundown host Chris Foster spoke with Dr. Chad Moutray, the National Restaurant Association’s Chief Economist, about the state of the restaurant industry and why he is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. Moutray discusses how dining trends, inflation, and delivery apps are impacting eateries both big and small. While we often have to cut interviews short during the week, we thought you might like to hear the full conversation. Today on the FOX News Rundown Extra, we share our entire interview with Dr. Chad Moutray so you can learn more about the reality of dining out in today’s economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is this the end of the Islamic Republic? Following reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during a series of joint US-Israeli airstrikes, the Middle East stands at a historic crossroads. Today on the FOX News Rundown: From Washington, Michael Allen, who was a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush at the National Security Council, joins to break down the "gargantuan" implications of these strikes and President Trump’s direct appeal to the Iranian people to reclaim their country. He also explains what this massive development may mean for oil prices and America's stance against China and Russia. Later, White House OMB Director Russ Vought joins to discuss the ongoing standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the national conversation around Artificial Intelligence often focuses on job displacement or the strain on our energy grid, a new effort is underway to use this technology for a more critical mission: protecting and educating our children. Although First Lady Melania Trump has led a White House initiative focusing on AI in the classroom, businessman and advocate Mitch Mitchem believes it is time to take that mission even further. FOX News Rundown host Lisa Brady recently spoke with Mitchem—the CEO of Hive and a father of four whose son survived a school shooting in Colorado—to get his deeply personal perspective on the debate over school safety. He discussed why American schools must evolve and how integrating AI and robotics can improve both educational outcomes and emergency response times. He also warned of the potential long-term pitfalls if we fail to embrace these technological advancements. We often have to cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full conversation. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we share our full interview with Mitch Mitchem, a father and businessman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A partial government shutdown continues as Congress is locked in a stalemate over DHS funding, and the political stakes are rising as primary season shifts into high gear. In Texas, incumbent Senator John Cornyn finds himself in a high-stakes battle for survival, facing a crowded field of challengers - including several heavy hitters from within his own party. FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins the Rundown to analyze the latest from the heated Texas primary, the legislative fallout from the DHS funding lapse, and the ripple effects of the depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Later, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary joins to give an inside look at the Trump Administrations efforts to lower prescription drug costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Aristotle to AI, the rules of gaining influence have not changed but the tools to do so have. Lessons from ancient storytelling techniques and the latest neuroscience can help to uncover the hidden formulas of persuasion in order to communicate effectively in this new AI era. The skills to differentiate yourself from other voices is something that can be learned, practiced and become a path to success. FOX’s Tonya J. Powers speaks with Carmine Gallo, communication expert and best selling author and creator of of 'Viral Voices', an audio original that decodes how the most influential people on the planet communicate with others. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wall Street, it’s a showdown between hardware and software: As the rise of AI proves once again this week, it will continue to reshape the future of our economy. February was a volatile month, driven largely by growing investor anxiety about the long-term impact of artificial intelligence. Software stocks are currently experiencing a significant sell-off, driven by fears that AI tools from companies like Anthropic will disrupt traditional "Software-as-a-Service" (SaaS) business models for major players such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Salesforce. Lou Basenese—Executive Vice President of Market Strategy at Prairie Operating Company and a FOX News Contributor—joins FOX Business Network host Taylor Riggs to discuss how AI disrupted the markets this month, the standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon, and the latest economic data regarding mortgage rates and inflation. Plus, Lou and Taylor discuss a surprising new trend: companies marketing makeup to... six-year-olds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices