Republican Florida Representative Byron Donalds appeared on Newsmax Friday, offering insights into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and predicting a significant shift in Israel’s approach. His remarks came after Israel carried out targeted attacks against high-ranking Iranian figures and key nuclear facilities on Thursday, prompting a retaliatory strike from Iran on Friday.
Speaking on “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Donalds suggested that Israel would employ “more creativity” in its ongoing conflict with Iran. He also highlighted the internal discontent within Iran, asserting that “there are elements on the ground in Iran who do not want the Mullahs running that country anymore.”
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Donalds pointed to the 2009 Green Revolution, an uprising where Iranian citizens sought to overthrow the ruling regime, as evidence of this internal struggle. He criticized the Obama administration’s handling of the situation, stating, “Barack Obama, when he was president at the time, ignored the Green Revolution, and he went with his big Iran deal that did nothing.”
The Congressman emphasized the distinction between the Iranian regime and its people, noting that the regime continues to oppress its citizens while pursuing nuclear power.
Donalds argued that despite the 2009 revolution being “tamped down,” the desire for change persists among the Iranian populace. He reiterated his concern about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “Actually, Iran was continuing on their pathway towards a nuclear weapon. They were continuing to enrich uranium. They were not letting us go in and do inspections.”
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The Mullahs’ leadership in Iran is known for its strict control over social and political life, suppressing opposition and limiting freedoms. The regime’s priorities, according to Donalds, include funding foreign proxies, sustaining IRGC-linked cryptocurrency schemes, and diverting resources to military projects, leading to crumbling infrastructure and widespread destitution for its citizens.
The conflict intensified Friday when Iran launched a retaliatory attack against Israel, firing dozens of missiles that triggered explosions across multiple cities. While Israeli interceptors successfully neutralized many of the incoming missiles, at least five people were reportedly wounded.
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Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue bombing Iran until the “threat” posed by the nation is eliminated. In a speech, Netanyahu condemned the “tyrants of Tehran” for seeking Israel’s destruction and claimed Iran has advanced its uranium production to a level capable of building nine atomic bombs.
Following the initial Israeli strikes, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. had prior knowledge of the operation but did not participate. Trump reiterated the U.S. stance that “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” expressing hope for a return to the negotiating table.
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