U.S. Must Make Iran Fear for Its Stability After President's Death, Says Rep. Waltz

Congress member Waltz believes Iran should be worried about its future after the demise of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Following the unexpected passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) has expressed the view that the United States should seize this opportunity to make Iran apprehensive about its stability.

During an appearance on "America's Newsroom," Waltz emphasized the importance of instilling fear in Iran, particularly in light of its continued nuclear program and support for terrorism. He believes that by doing so, the U.S. can effectively deter Iran from further destabilizing the region.

U.S. Must Make Iran Fear for Its Stability After President's Death, Says Rep. Waltz

Waltz's remarks come amidst heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The Islamic Republic recently retaliated against the Biden administration's support of a mild rebuke by the U.N. watchdog agency (IAEA) over Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons program. The IAEA verified that Iran had begun feeding uranium into advanced centrifuges at its Natanz enrichment facility.

In response, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller condemned Iran's actions and warned that the U.S. would respond accordingly. However, Miller declined to specify the nature of the U.S. response, leaving the international community wondering about the Biden administration's strategy.

U.S. Must Make Iran Fear for Its Stability After President's Death, Says Rep. Waltz

Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Washington-based Foundation for Defense Democracies criticized the U.S. State Department's response, arguing that delayed responses and a failure to address Iran's previous nuclear moves have emboldened the regime. Taleblu urged the U.S. to enforce oil and petrochemical sanctions and militarily threaten Iran's regional interests to send a clear message that the U.S. will not tolerate its destabilizing behavior.

A State Department spokesperson reiterated the Biden administration's concerns about Iran's nuclear program and warned that Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium has no credible civilian purpose. The spokesperson stressed the importance of Iran's full cooperation with the IAEA and stated that the U.S. is working with international partners to increase pressure on Iran through sanctions, deterrence, and international isolation.

U.S. Must Make Iran Fear for Its Stability After President's Death, Says Rep. Waltz

However, when pressed about the possibility of new sanctions, including a crackdown on Iran's oil sales to China, the spokesperson declined to provide details, stating that the U.S. is actively working with allies to increase pressure on Iran and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Taleblu warned that Iran's ongoing expansion of its atomic program and installation of more advanced centrifuges cannot be ignored. He emphasized the importance of the U.S. sending a clear message to Iran that any further nuclear advancements will not be tolerated.

U.S. Must Make Iran Fear for Its Stability After President's Death, Says Rep. Waltz

Meanwhile, Iran's former top security official, Ali Shamkhani, stated that Iran remains committed to nuclear safeguards but will not bow to pressure from the U.S. and Western countries. Shamkhani also accused the U.S. and Western countries of seeking to dismantle Iran's nuclear industry.

Since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, Iran has accelerated its nuclear enrichment program, approaching weapons-grade levels. The Trump administration withdrew from the deal, arguing that it allowed Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

U.S. Must Make Iran Fear for Its Stability After President's Death, Says Rep. Waltz

In conclusion, Rep. Waltz believes that the U.S. should use the opportunity of President Raisi's death to make Iran fear for its stability and deter it from further destabilizing the region. The U.S. and its allies are increasing pressure on Iran, but it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in addressing Iran's nuclear program and support for terrorism.