Marc Thiessen said Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury were among the most courageous decisions any president has made [1].
These comments highlight a continuing debate over the efficacy of aggressive military and economic strategies to constrain the Iranian government. The perspective emphasizes a preference for strength over diplomacy in managing regional tensions.
Thiessen shared these views during an appearance on the Fox News program “Life, Liberty & Levin” [1]. He said the two operations were pivotal presidential actions that demonstrated necessary resolve [2].
Beyond the military operations, Thiessen addressed the role of economic pressure. He said, "We must not give the Iranian regime financial relief or lift sanctions" [1].
Thiessen believes that providing financial relief or easing the current sanctions regime would empower the Iranian government [2]. By maintaining these restrictions, he said the U.S. can better limit the regime's capabilities, a strategy he links to the courage shown during the aforementioned operations [2].
His stance reflects a broader school of thought in U.S. foreign policy that views sanctions as a critical tool for national security. This approach prioritizes economic isolation to prevent the Iranian regime from funding activities that the U.S. deems destabilizing [1].
“Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury were some of the most courageous decisions any president has made.”
The advocacy for maintaining strict sanctions and praising targeted military operations indicates a policy preference for 'maximum pressure.' This strategy seeks to force concessions from the Iranian regime through economic hardship and the threat of military action, rather than through negotiated diplomatic frameworks.
