Joe Rogan and Theo Von have taken aim at Donald Trump over the conflict with Iran, with Operation Epic Fury appearing to lose support among many Americans.
On February 28, the US and Israel began a new offensive against Iran, striking targets in several Iranian cities and also hitting parts of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Iran has since retaliated with missile attacks on a number of Middle Eastern countries, while also blocking the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for Gulf oil that accounts for roughly 20 percent of global traffic.
As the war grows less popular in the US, Rogan and Von — both of whom backed Trump during the 2024 election — have turned critical of the president’s role in the escalation.
Von joined The Joe Rogan Experience, where the two discussed Trump’s decision to move the US toward another Middle East conflict, despite prior campaign promises not to get drawn into “forever wars.”
During their conversation, Von asked: “What do you think is gonna happen? You think we’re gonna be OK?”
The exchange followed a 20-minute national address from Trump about the war. Beyond the fighting itself, the conflict has had broader knock-on effects, including rising oil prices worldwide, with some countries taking drastic steps to curb fuel use.
Rogan responded: “I hope so, of course. I don’t know. I’m confused. I can’t believe we went to this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, ‘This can’t be true.’”
The discussion also expanded beyond Iran, as Israel has carried out attacks against its northern neighbor Lebanon — a country that has faced years of political instability and economic hardship.
Raising that point, Von asked: “And what about Lebanon?”
Israel’s relationship with Lebanon has long been hostile, with Iran-backed Hezbollah — both a political party and paramilitary force — firing rockets from southern Lebanon in the past.
Israeli forces have now been conducting airstrikes in multiple parts of Lebanon, including Beirut. Critics have alleged that some strikes have hit healthcare-related infrastructure, such as hospitals and ambulances.
The bombardment has reportedly contributed to large-scale displacement, adding pressure to a country already hosting significant refugee populations, including displaced Palestinians and Syrians.
Some Israeli political figures have also suggested occupying parts of Lebanese territory, pointing to the idea of establishing a buffer zone and citing security concerns.
Von said: “And it’s like, just f***ing stop it. What do you need?”
Referring to Hezbollah, Rogan said: “Well, they’re trying to supposedly, they’re trying to stop the terrorists.”
Von replied: “That’s crazy, though. You’re the f***ing terrorists! You know what I’m saying? Like, if you wanna stop them, f***ing stand in front of the f***ing mirror and start there.”