Iranian Nuclear Policy

I believe that the most pressing foreign policy issue of our time is the potential for Iran to possess nuclear weapons capabilities.

The United States of America has had a long and tumultuous relationship with our known enemy, Iran. They have taken American citizens as hostages, our pastors as prisoners, convicted our students as spies, commandeered our vessels, and shot down our assets with little to no military response.  The extent to which Iran is willing to go to provoke the U.S. seems to have no limits. Yet, we continue to opt for economic sanctions compared to a proportional military response. While I believe that military action should be the option of last resort, I also believe that we have come to the point (red line) where we should stand ready and be in a position to respond militarily.

The current Iranian regime sponsors, funds, and trains terrorist organizations around the world, all the while looking for opportunities to attack and kill Americans and America’s allies. Beyond this, they are working feverishly to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities for first strike advantage against our dear friend and longtime ally, Israel. We must do everything we can to protect Israel.

Furthermore, if we put Israel in a position where they have to respond and attack Iran before they acquire nuclear capabilities, we risk destabilizing the entire Arab region. We need a clearly defined strategic plan and exit strategy for the containment of Iran’s nuclear program and their blatant aggression towards America and Israel. That plan should start with coalition building attempts to include our strategic partners and allies. However, America always reserves the right to take unilateral military action if her national security interests are at stake. While I do not support boots on the ground at this time, an accelerated and catastrophic surgical air strike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities should be considered in the future, if necessary. In addition, our drone capability must be ramped up in the region.