Mike Pence Critiques Trump Administration’s Approach to Iran

In a recent segment of FNC’s “Sunday Night in America,” former Vice President Mike Pence expressed his criticisms concerning the Trump administration’s attempts to ease tensions with Iran.

Pence described the memorandum of understanding (MOU) as falling “far short” of what he believes the United States should demand in such circumstances.

During the broadcast, host Trey Gowdy greeted Pence, wishing him a Happy Father’s Day, and posed a thought-provoking question: “If the war is unpopular but the cause is just, what advice would you offer the president? How should he manage that disconnect?”

Pence responded, first expressing gratitude for the conversation and sharing his Father’s Day sentiments. He acknowledged the historical context of the situation, stating, “Iran has been in conflict with the United States and Israel for 47 years. President Trump’s choice to deploy troops in Operation Epic Fury last year and the present is both historic and unprecedented. This president has, quite possibly, done more to mitigate military threats to the United States than any recent predecessor. As a father of a U.S. Marine and stepfather to a U.S. Navy lieutenant colonel, I hope for a peaceful resolution and the reopening of the Straits.”

Continuing, he said, “While we keep the vice president in our thoughts and prayers, my trust in the Iranians is limited. My experiences in the Situation Room and our time on the Foreign Affairs Committee have convinced me that the traditional saying of ‘trust but verify’ should actually be flipped in this case. With the Iranians, it’s verify but never trust. I genuinely believe this memorandum, despite the commendable efforts of our military, isn’t nearly what America should be asking for right now. The previous attempts by Obama and Biden amounted to appeasement, allowing Iran to increase its power, spread violence, and assert control in the region. Ultimately, what’s vital is the content of the MOU. I’m hopeful that, as discussions move forward, both the negotiators and the President will remain resolute in reaching an agreement that truly benefits the security interests of the United States, Israel, and the larger region.