President Trump remains the greatest ally Israel and the Jewish people have ever had in the White House. In stark contrast, the Ayatollahs of Iran represent one of the most devious and dangerous regimes on Earth. They are not just ideological adversaries—they are the architects of terrorism through their proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. They’ve fueled unrest on American college campuses and across the globe, all under the guise of “resistance.”
Let’s be clear: regime change in Iran has long been—and should remain—the ultimate goal. Despite their bluster, Iran is a paper tiger. According to sources I trust, its nuclear facilities could be taken out in just two days. This is especially credible given that, on October 28, 2024, Israel reportedly dismantled a significant portion of Iran’s air defense systems in response to a barrage of 180 ballistic missiles launched earlier that month. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated then, “We have severely damaged Iran’s defense capability and its ability to produce missiles.”
While President Trump is staunchly against unnecessary war, he is equally committed to peace through strength. Together with his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, he oversaw over 1,000 missions against the Houthis. They eventually raised the white flag—and Trump accepted it. Israel may need to follow that same model to neutralize the Houthi threat, going beyond symbolic strikes on Sana’a and Hudaydah to achieve lasting results.
But let’s not lose focus: all roads lead back to Iran—the “head of the snake.” President Trump has taken a two-pronged approach with the regime: extending diplomatic overtures while maintaining maximum pressure through sanctions on its banks and oil exports. Initially, Tehran refused to negotiate—classic posturing. Then came three meetings. The fourth was canceled. A fifth is reportedly set for this week in Oman. It’s a familiar pattern: stall, demand, deceive.
President Trump is no fool. Over a year ago, I asked him directly whether he believed Iran already possessed a nuclear weapon. His answer: “They could always buy one.” (Sources suggest they haven’t crossed that threshold yet—but they’re close.) That concern drives his desire for a deal—not for appeasement, but for verification. He has said plainly: “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.” He’s also stated he would prefer “a strong, verified deal,” and told Hugh Hewitt, “Well, we could actually blow them up. Blow them up or just de-nuke them.”
The ideal outcome would mirror what President George W. Bush achieved with Libya in 2003: a complete and irreversible dismantling of the country’s nuclear program. Iran would be wise to follow suit. Instead, they’re stalling—making demand after demand—much like Hamas, which continues to issue ultimatums despite being reduced to a shadow of its former strength.
I believe President Trump’s patience with Tehran is running thin. He does not take betrayal lightly.
Barring a dramatic shift or regime change, it is only a matter of time before Israel, the United States, or both act decisively to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat.
And that moment cannot come soon enough.
Joseph M. Frager is a physician and lifelong activist.
