August 26, 2026

The American Conservative Morning Briefing · Aug 26, 2026 · 4m

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, August 26th 2026, and this is The American Conservative's Morning Brief. Treasury launches "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran on day 179 of the war, but analysts warn the sweeping sanctions could escalate rather than replace military conflict as Tehran vows it knows "how to play the game.". Ted Snider argues Trump's tariff threats, annexation talk, and bombing warnings against allies from Canada to Oman have squandered global trust in Washington and ended the era of American hegemony. CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced eight-hour visit to…