This was surprising to see.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and frequent Trump-critic Nikki Haley is defending President Donald Trump after several Democrats claimed the Iranian regime did not pose a serious threat to the United States.
Haley strongly rejected that argument, saying the idea that Iran was harmless to America is completely detached from decades of history.
“It’s absurd for Democrats to claim the Iranian regime was no threat to America,” Haley wrote in a statement on social media.
She pointed to a long list of hostile actions carried out by Iran over the years, including attacks on American troops, support for terrorism, and efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
“For decades they targeted American servicemembers, spread terrorism across the region, pursued nuclear weapons, and built missiles aimed directly at U.S. bases,” Haley said.
Haley also revealed that the regime has allegedly plotted assassinations against American leaders.
“They even attempted assassination plots against President Trump and other U.S. officials — including myself — here on American soil,” she added.
“When they chant ‘Death to America,’ they mean exactly what they say.”
Haley Calls Iran Strike a “History-Defining Moment”
During an interview with Fox News host Martha MacCallum, Haley discussed the joint U.S.–Israel military operation against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury.
According to Haley, the military action represents a turning point in the ongoing conflict with the Iranian regime.
“This is a history-defining moment,” Haley said.
She also argued the decision could ultimately become one of the most important foreign policy actions of Trump’s presidency.
“For President Trump, this may very well be a legacy-defining moment,” she added.
Haley emphasized that diplomacy had been attempted before military action was taken.
“They tried diplomacy first,” she said. “But the Iranian regime does what it always does — they lie, they cheat, and they refuse to tell the truth.”
Haley also referenced earlier concerns surrounding the previous Iran nuclear deal, arguing that Iran repeatedly attempted to violate the agreement.
“When the United States withdrew from the Iran deal years ago, we already had evidence they were cheating,” she explained.
“And it appears they were trying to cheat again.”
Democrats Split Over Trump’s Iran Operation
President Trump’s decision to launch Operation Epic Fury has triggered major divisions among Democrats in Washington.
Some Democratic lawmakers have strongly criticized the strikes, arguing the president should have sought congressional approval first.
Among the most vocal critics are Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), both of whom labeled the military operation illegal.
Kaine accused Trump of escalating tensions in the region.
The Virginia senator said the president launched what he described as an “unnecessary and illegal war” that could place American troops and diplomats in danger.
Sanders also sharply criticized the operation, accusing both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of launching what he called a “premeditated and unconstitutional war.”
The Vermont senator warned that the strikes could create additional instability across the Middle East.
“We must not allow the United States to be dragged into another senseless war,” Sanders said.
Schumer Calls for War Powers Vote
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also expressed concern over the operation.
Schumer argued that Congress should reassert its authority over military actions by voting on a resolution under the War Powers Act.
“Confronting Iran’s aggression requires strength, coordination, and strategic clarity,” Schumer said.
He added that the Senate should return to Washington and consider legislation requiring congressional approval for continued military engagement.
Some Democrats Praise Trump’s Decision
Despite the criticism, not all Democrats opposed the operation.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) publicly supported the strike and indicated he would oppose efforts by fellow Democrats to block the mission through a war powers resolution.
“President Trump has been willing to do what’s necessary to achieve real peace in the region,” Fetterman wrote.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) also backed the operation, saying confronting Iran’s threats is essential to American national security.
“Today the United States, alongside our democratic ally Israel, took decisive action to defend our national security, fight terrorism, and protect our allies,” Gottheimer said.
He also requested a classified briefing on the mission.
Gottheimer praised American service members involved in the operation and said he was praying for their safety as tensions rise in the region.
“I applaud the extraordinary bravery and professionalism of our troops,” he said.
A Major Debate in Washington
As Operation Epic Fury continues to dominate political debate in Washington, lawmakers remain deeply divided over President Trump’s decision.
Supporters argue the strikes demonstrate American strength and resolve against hostile regimes.
Critics warn the action could risk further escalation in an already unstable region.
But Haley made it clear she believes ignoring the Iranian threat would be far more dangerous.
For her, the history of the Iranian regime speaks for itself.
