Former Vice President Mike Pence issued a forceful statement regarding U.S. policy toward Iran, calling for continued maximum pressure and the credible threat of military action. Pence condemned the Iranian regime for decades of hostility, stating, “For almost 50 years, the Iranian regime has sought ‘Death to America’ rather than peace and freedom. Throughout those years, the Mullahs in Tehran have sown violence and terror rather than seek peace with America, Israel and the Free World.”
For almost 50 years, the Iranian regime has sought “Death to America” rather than peace and freedom. Throughout those years, the Mullahs in Tehran have sown violence and terror rather than seek peace with America, Israel and the Free World.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 3, 2026
Now is the time for American strength.…
Pence highlighted the regime’s weakened position following military actions by U.S. and Israeli forces in 2025, as well as the bravery of Iranian protesters risking their lives for freedom. “Their sacrifice cannot be in vain,” he said, emphasizing that now is “the time for American strength.” He rejected negotiations with Tehran, calling instead for continued enforcement of “suffocating sanctions,” diplomatic isolation of the regime, and the maintenance of a credible military threat.
The former vice president stressed that the U.S. military must remain prepared to deliver a decisive blow if necessary. “The President must make it clear that the United States is prepared to strike a blow with the most powerful military in the world – the American military – that would send the Islamic Republic to the dustbin of history forever, restoring peace and stability to the Middle East,” Pence said. He further warned that the Iranian regime must not find refuge within the international community, calling them “the leading state sponsor of terror in the world.”
Pence’s statement comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued repeated warnings against U.S. military action, asserting that any attack would escalate into a regional conflict. “The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said, while insisting Iran does not seek to initiate conflict. He framed the U.S.-Iran dispute as rooted in America’s desire to regain control over Iran’s resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and strategic territory.
The Americans should know if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) February 1, 2026
The remarks also follow President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “massive Armada” heading toward Iran, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Trump described the fleet as ready to act “with speed and violence, if necessary,” while urging Iran to negotiate a nuclear-free agreement. In response, Iran has conducted live-fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any aggression would prompt swift retaliation.
A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 28, 2026
Pence’s statement underscores a hardline approach, calling for continued pressure and readiness to use force, while framing American strength as the path to peace and freedom for the Iranian people. His remarks align with a broader posture within the U.S. political spectrum advocating deterrence through military, economic, and diplomatic measures rather than engagement or negotiation with Tehran.
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