Trump and the Ongoing Conflict with Iran
The conflict we’re seeing today didn’t begin with President Trump. It traces back to November 4, 1979, when the Iranian regime stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. For nearly half a century, Iran has acted as a leading state sponsor of terrorism—causing more American casualties than any other regime. Intriguingly, there have been attempts on Trump’s own life orchestrated by this same government.
It’s essential to see the regime’s attacks not as random acts of violence but as part of a prolonged war waged by Iranian leaders for 47 years. Events such as the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and the use of IEDs in Iraq, where 603 Americans fell, illustrate how this has played out. The U.S. government often appeared too weak to retaliate effectively, and over time, Iran interpreted that restraint as a form of permission.
From the tragic Hamas attack that left nearly 1,200 people dead, including 46 Americans, to assaults on U.S. troops, Iran has consistently made its intentions clear: they desire death for America.
Every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter opted for diplomatic efforts to face this threat, until a shift occurred in 2020. Trump authorized an attack on Qassim Soleimani, a key terrorist figure, which was criticized in Washington but celebrated by many Iranians.
When Iran brutally killed over 40,000 protesters in January 2026 and sought to cover up its actions, many turned to Trump for aid. Unlike his predecessors, he initiated steps to eliminate this long-standing threat.
There was a strong case for action. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff shared details about negotiations preceding the conflict that suggested Iran had enough uranium for 11 nuclear bombs and could produce more rapidly. Although the U.S. offered Iran nuclear fuel in exchange for halting enrichment, the regime declined, indicating their serious intent to weaponize.
This nuclear ambition rests on years of deception. For instance, Iran obscured essential materials from international inspectors and kept a concealed nuclear archive from negotiators, which was later revealed by Israel. Attempts to investigate sites suspected of illicit activity were thwarted.
The Obama administration’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) failed to contain Iran, instead enabling their gradual advancement toward a nuclear weapon capability. Trump condemned the JCPOA as a disastrous agreement, withdrawing from the deal in 2018 and launching a campaign that restricted Iran’s oil revenue—more than $200 billion—used to fund terrorism.
Strangely, President Biden shifted focus, easing restrictions and allowing Iran to progress until Trump ordered strikes on nuclear sites last June. After Iranian officials boasted about their capabilities, Trump initiated Operation Epic Fury.
The operation’s clear goal was outlined: destroy Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, disrupt its naval capabilities, dismantle terrorist networks, and undermine the Revolutionary Guards and other components of the regime’s security apparatus. So far, the results have outpaced expectations. In collaboration with Israel, the operation led to the deaths of several high-ranking regime figures.
Over 80% of Iran’s missile stockpile was decimated, significantly weakening its naval infrastructure and financial connections to groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Many nuclear-related facilities have been rendered inactive, and numerous regime officials have been displaced or killed.
As the Iranian regime’s power dwindles, this evolving situation may inspire its people to rise and confront Islamic leadership directly. The journey is not yet complete, but it’s progressing well.
Trump specifically addressed the Iranian people during the operation, conveying a message of approaching freedom and empowerment. That vision is now closer to reality.
In the face of a lengthy battle, Trump’s resolve appears steadfast. Many recognize that half-hearted measures have historically failed to bring about lasting change. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi noted that Trump might be remembered alongside great liberators for standing with the Iranian people when they needed it most.
