Explosions ripped through multiple Iranian cities at the end of January, leaving buildings gutted and civilians dead or wounded in what Tehran called gas leaks while many observers smell something far more sinister. The chaotic scenes in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz — including reports of children killed and dozens injured — are a grim reminder that the Iranian regime’s incompetence and secrecy put innocents at risk even when their leaders aren’t firing missiles at the world.
President Donald Trump made the bold observation that Iran is “seriously talking” to the United States even as he sent a clear message that American patience is not infinite, noting a huge naval force is moving into the region. Conservatives should salute a commander-in-chief who mixes the readiness to use force with the willingness to negotiate from strength rather than rewarding weakness with concession.
The deployment of powerful ships, including a carrier strike group, is not saber-rattling for its own sake but responsible deterrence; it forces Tehran to weigh the real costs of escalation while giving diplomacy leverage. For too long the United States tolerated vague promises and hollow negotiations — this administration’s muscle behind the message gives American foreign policy its backbone back.
All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of brutal crackdowns on Iranian protesters, whose courage exposes the regime’s fragility and moral bankruptcy. Millions of Iranians yearning for freedom deserve our sympathy and support, not the hollow platitudes of appeasers who have convinced themselves that engagement without consequences will transform a tyranny.
Americans should remember the pattern: when rogue regimes are allowed to act with impunity, violence spreads and global stability suffers — the port explosions and previous attacks on sensitive facilities only underscore Tehran’s reckless handling of dangerous materials and its malignant regional ambitions. Our government must keep pressure on the ayatollahs while standing ready to protect allies and U.S. interests, and we should be skeptical of anyone urging immediate de-escalation without leverage.
This moment calls for clarity and resolve from American leaders and courage from everyday patriots who refuse to let our country be led by timidity. Defending the peace sometimes means preparing for war, and backing diplomacy with credible strength has kept America safe before and will do so again if we remain steadfast. The people who build this country — hardworking Americans — know instinctively that freedom must be defended, not negotiated away.
