Iran

Iran Executes Man Accused of Passing Information to CIA, Mossad



By Anwar Usman

The Islamic republic of Iran on Monday said it had executed a man by hanging convicted of spying for Israel and the United States, the latest in a wave of executions during the war with the two foes.

“Erfan Shakourzadeh… was hanged for collaborating with the US intelligence service and the Mossad spy service,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.

Iran did not specify when he was executed or when he was arrested, but said he worked at one of Iran’s “scientific organisations active in the satellite field”.

Recall that, Iran has long faced Western accusations that its satellite programme is being used to advance ballistic missile capabilities.

Mizan said Shakourzadeh had “knowingly and willingly” passed classified information to the CIA and Mossad.

Iran is the world’s second-most prolific executioner after China, according to rights groups.

Norway-based group Iran Human Rights says the Islamic republic executed at least 1,500 people last year, one of the highest numbers worldwide.

Iran has been at war with Israel and the United States since late February, with a ceasefire in place since April 8.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Iran has carried out executions, particularly in cases involving alleged espionage or security-related charges.

Last week, three men were executed in Tehran convicted of involvement in anti-government protests that rocked the country in December and January.

Iran Foreign Minister Meets Chinese Counterpart In Beijing Amid Hormuz Tensions

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday held talks with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, in Beijing as tensions continue to rise over the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit comes just one week before United States President Donald Trump is expected in Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for May 14 and 15.

China’s state news agency, Xinhua, confirmed that the meeting between both officials had commenced, although it did not disclose details of the discussions.

This trip marks Araghchi’s first visit to China, a key ally of Tehran, since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28. Since the outbreak of the conflict, both ministers have maintained contact through several phone conversations.

In Washington, DC, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he hopes China will urge Iran to ease its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments.

Iran shut the strait shortly after the conflict started, a move that triggered a sharp rise in fuel and fertiliser prices and unsettled the global economy.

Although a ceasefire was reached in April, the United States later imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in an effort to pressure Tehran into accepting its conditions for peace.

Reporting from Beijing, Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu said the meeting is expected to focus mainly on sustaining the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“We know that China has been very critical of the US’s naval blockade on Iranian ports, calling it dangerous. But increasingly, Beijing has also been critical of Iran’s decision to continually close that vital chokepoint,” Yu said.

She added that China may seek clarity from Iran on its future actions, while Tehran is also looking for assurances of continued Chinese support.

“Iran will need Chinese backing, for example, at the United Nations, to continue to block any action that would put any additional sanctions on Iran because of its closure of the strait,” Yu said.

“Reportedly, the Iranian foreign minister is looking for clarity from Beijing as to what it will put on the table when Xi meets with Trump, and whether Beijing will be making any concessions to Washington that could make Tehran nervous.”

China, on its part, is said to be seeking guarantees from Iran that it will avoid any escalation ahead of the high-level meeting between Xi and Trump.

Meanwhile, President Trump has announced a temporary halt to a US military mission aimed at escorting stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation, which started earlier in the week, had heightened tensions after the US military claimed it destroyed several Iranian boats that allegedly tried to disrupt the effort. The United Arab Emirates also accused Iran of launching missile and drone attacks, including one that caused a fire at an oil facility. Tehran has denied involvement.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that the pause followed appeals “on the request of Pakistan and other Countries” and because “Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran”.

Pakistan has been playing a leading role in mediating between Washington and Tehran. Direct talks were held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, but both sides failed to reach an agreement.

Key disagreements remain, including US demands for Iran to stop all nuclear enrichment activities, while Tehran insists on maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz.

US Warns Of ‘Devastating’ Response If Iran Attacks Ships In Strait Of Hormuz

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States has said it is not seeking a confrontation with Iran over tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, but made it clear it would respond forcefully if provoked.

Speaking on Tuesday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that any attack by Iran on vessels operating in the strategic waterway would attract a “devastating” reaction from the US.

“We’re not looking for a fight. But Iran also cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway,” Hegseth told reporters.

He added, “If you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower.”

In a related development, General Dan Caine, a top US military official, said American forces are fully prepared to return to large-scale combat operations if directed.

Caine, who spoke with journalists, stressed that Washington’s current posture should not be interpreted as weakness.

According to him, US Central Command and other military units remain on standby for possible action.

“No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, and rising tensions in the area have continued to draw international attention.

Trump Says US Hostilities in Iran Have Ended, Floats Possible Action in Cuba


By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Donald Trump has notified the United States Congress that military hostilities against Iran have come to an end, while also raising the possibility of military action against Cuba.

In a letter sent on Friday, the president said the campaign, which started on February 28, had reached its conclusion after a ceasefire that began on April 7, 2026, remained intact. The development coincides with the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Act for unauthorised military engagements.

“The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” Trump wrote. He added that the US military would keep a strong presence in the region to counter what he described as an ongoing threat from Iran.

Despite the formal tone of the letter, Trump struck a different note during an event in West Palm Beach, Florida. Speaking to supporters, he suggested that US naval forces deployed in the Persian Gulf could be redirected toward Cuba.

“We’ll do it on the way back from Iran,” Trump told the audience, referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier as monitored in CNN. “We’ll have that come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they’ll say, ‘thank you very much, we give up.'”

The remarks have drawn concern from international observers. Many see them as a sign that the administration may still be open to pursuing regime change, especially after the February 28 strikes that reportedly killed senior Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.

At the same event, Trump praised the US Navy’s operations in the Strait of Hormuz. He spoke about the seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel and likened the operation to a lucrative venture.

“We took over the cargo, took over the oil. It’s a very profitable business,” he said, after explaining how forces used tugboats and boarded the ship.

Since April 13, the United States has maintained a maritime blockade around Iranian ports. Washington says foreign vessels can pass through, as long as they do not make payments to Iranian authorities. Analysts say the measure has severely affected Iran’s shipping activities.

Although active fighting has stopped, efforts to reach a lasting agreement have not succeeded. Talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without progress. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest proposal.

“Frankly, maybe we’re better off not making a deal at all,” he said, indicating that the US could continue its pressure tactics, including the naval blockade.

The operation, known as Operation Epic Fury, has caused widespread damage across the Middle East. Reports indicate that thousands of people have been affected since the initial strikes in February.

Even with the official end of hostilities, tensions remain high. US authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially regarding Iranian-aligned groups in the region.

Decadence and Downfall: The Story of the Ultimate Party

By Saifullahi Attahir

History has repeatedly shown us that when rulers or elites indulge in throwing ultimate parties, they are usually sealing their fate. This universal rule is applied not only to dictators but also to empires, organisations, business leaders, athletes, celebrities, and even individuals who reach a climax in their trajectories without the ever-useful self-restraint.

Examples of these parables can be found even in the holy scriptures. Qarun is a brother of Prophet Moses, whom God blessed with so much worldly endowment that people living around him watch in awe. It was reported that many of his kinsmen were openly praying to be blessed as Qarun was. To them, Qarun was a role model, a success, and someone to emulate. 

Qarun’s story was a typical grass-to-grace story we often hear. At the beginning, a humble soul, spendthrift, calculative, hungry and ambitious for success. He left no stone unturned, had no time to even count his fortune, and was always on the lookout for more until he later ‘made it’.

He later started throwing lavish parties, erecting large buildings with so many rooms that he wouldn’t occupy, and amassing fleets of beautiful horses not for war, domestic use or trade. It was reported that the keys alone to Qarun’s treasury were so many that people couldn’t even carry them!

And what of the things inside those stores, of gold, ornaments, and precious metals? Qarun was admonished by his people to express gratitude for the benevolence through giving alms to the less privileged. He famously stated that it was his handiwork, his tactics, and his spendthrift ways (in today’s world, his financial intelligence) that helped him become wealthy. Qarun sealed his fatal fate with those words; he drowned!

Founders of any kingdom or empire usually begin as brave warriors or loyal servants who earn the respect and love of their masters, then become part of the empire and, within a few centuries, become kings themselves. Throughout these transformative years, you would find them humble, hardworking, disciplined, and considerate, until the hard-worn ancestors passed away and the bounty passed to their progeny, who were neither aware of nor shared in the initial struggles, thinking they deserved it. It was those later kings who would build extravagant palaces with magnificent walls, not as protection but for the sake of beauty and elegance.

The early pharaohs of Egypt were not as haughty and arrogant as the pharaoh whom the prophet Moses fought. The last pharaoh feels so high of himself that he declared himself the sovereign being worthy of worship in the land. The magnificent pyramids built in Egypt alone could signify the level of cruelty slaves were subjected to and the grand mania behind erecting them. That was their ultimate party.

The sixteenth-century Brits (Englishmen) were so brave, energetic, curious, prodigious, and ambitious that they set out to conquer almost half of the world, from Asia to Africa to India to the Americas. They spread their influence, civilisation, and language to every nook and cranny of the world. Astonishingly, several decades of the British Empire were led by women like Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. It was during the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria that Britain reached its peak.

At the beginning of their campaigns, they were just merchants, explorers, and missionaries. They were later partners before transforming into cruel colonial rulers, subjugating human beings into serfdom and slavery. It was during the early 19th century that Queen Victoria decided to host a lavish party in India, inviting delegates from every colony: Asians, Africans, Arabs, Indians, and Caucasians. The Durbar was so magnificent that only watching the video (on YouTube) could give you a sense of the congregation. Every culture was represented, and performances were made. 

What was wasted during these festivities was enough to ruin the economy of a continent. Those extravaganzas, the subjugation of people into labour, and unnecessary wars were later to seal the fate of the British Empire. The colonists were dismantled into sovereign nations, and finally, the sun set for Britain.

Before the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran was under a monarchy led by Shah Reza Pahlavi, who inherited the throne from his father in the 1920s. Between those years, thanks to the discovery of oil and his alliance with Western countries, the Shah transformed himself into a world-class political figure and a strong voice in the Middle East. Although a Muslim, he became so delusional that he dreamt of converting Iran into its former Persian Empire with all its anti-Islamic elegance. 

This automatically put him in constant conflict with the religious establishment of Iran, especially the Islamic clerics led by the pious, ascetic, and reserved Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The level of enmity was so high that neither side was willing to give way until, finally, Khomeini fled to France as an exile. Despite Khomeini’s absence, he continued to preach to the Iranians, especially the youth, university students, and the less privileged masses who became his adherents.

In the 1970s, the Shah decided to throw a grand party in Iran to commemorate not only his anniversary but also the 2000-year anniversary of the Persian Pagan Empire. He coronated himself as ‘Shah of Shahs’ (King of Kings). The party was attended by thousands, including kings, prime ministers, presidents, heads of state, mistresses, business moguls and technocrats. Later analysis shows how that singular event almost threw Iran into debt despite its oil endowment.

That sealed the fate of Shah Reza Pahlavi, for a few months later, Iranian youths staged an uprising, culminating in the Islamic Revolution that brought Ayatollah Khomeini (the very person Pahlavi had sent into exile) to power.

 Similar stories can be narrated of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and his expansionist, megalomaniac agenda, seeing himself as the Führer and Saviour of the German Reich, until he sealed his fate by mistakenly invading Russia and Poland and at the same time fighting several forces of France and the United Kingdom. The allied forces were rescued by the rising superpower of that time, the United States of America.

General Yakubu Gowon was in power from 1966 to 1975, the longest-serving military head of state. His period witnessed a surge in oil income never seen before in Nigeria, and even the government doesn’t know what to do with the sweet oil money. The Federal Government undertakes unnecessary construction and white-elephant projects just to get rid of the irritating money. 

Workers get unnecessary pay rises (Udoji salary award) without additional productivity. The General Yakubu Gowon government decided to sponsor a FESTAC celebration event in 1975, which cost a huge sum of money, throwing Nigeria into debt despite oil income. We didn’t wisely invest and save for the rainy days.

That sealed the fate of innocent and peace-loving General Yakubu Gowon. He was overthrown in a palace coup led by young officers, introducing the no-nonsense, disciplinarian Murtala Ramat. The rest was history….So watch out when you are sealing your fate by throwing the ultimate party!

Saifullahi Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS) National Body. He wrote this piece from the Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching Hospital, Dutse, via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

Iran Retains 40% of Attack Drone Stockpile — U.S. Officials

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. military officials have disclosed that Iran still possesses nearly 40 percent of its attack drone stockpile, despite weeks of sustained strikes targeting its military infrastructure.

The assessment underscores the resilience of Iran’s drone capabilities, which analysts say remain a central pillar of its military strategy. Earlier intelligence estimates had suggested that roughly half of Iran’s drone arsenal remained intact, highlighting the difficulty of eliminating such systems entirely due to their relatively low cost and ease of production.

Officials warn that the continued availability of these drones poses an ongoing threat to U.S. and allied forces in the region. Iranian drones—particularly low-cost, one-way attack models—have proven challenging to counter, with defenses struggling to intercept large-scale barrages effectively.

The latest figures come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where drone warfare has become a defining feature of the conflict. Military experts say Iran’s strategy relies on maintaining sufficient stockpiles to sustain prolonged pressure, even in the face of repeated airstrikes.

The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the exact figures, but officials indicate that efforts to degrade Iran’s drone capabilities are ongoing.

Us Intelligence Suggests China May Send Air Defense Weapons To Iran Despite Ceasefire

Fresh US intelligence assessments indicate that China could be preparing to supply Iran with new air defense systems in the coming weeks, according to three individuals familiar with the findings, as reported by Cable News Network (CNN).

The development comes shortly after Beijing played a role in brokering a fragile ceasefire that halted recent hostilities between Iran and the United States. The timing is sensitive as President Donald Trump is expected to travel to China next month for talks with President Xi Jinping.

Officials say the intelligence points to possible efforts by Iran to use the pause in fighting to rebuild parts of its military capability with assistance from foreign partners.

Two sources said there are signs that China may attempt to route the weapons through third-party countries in order to conceal their origin.

The weapons in question are believed to be shoulder-fired anti-aircraft systems known as MANPADS. According to the sources, such systems posed a threat to low-flying US military aircraft during the recent five-week conflict and could do so again if fighting resumes.

China has denied the claims. A spokesperson for its embassy in Washington said, “China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue.”

The spokesperson added, “As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations. We urge the U.S. side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions.”

Earlier, the embassy maintained that Beijing had “been working to help bring about a ceasefire and end to the conflict” since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war.

President Trump said earlier this week that a US F-15 fighter jet downed over Iran was struck by a “handheld shoulder missile, [a] heat-seeking missile.” Iran had earlier claimed it used a “new” air defense system, though it did not disclose details. It remains unclear whether the system was of Chinese origin.

Analysts say any transfer of MANPADS would signal a shift in China’s level of support for Iran since the US and Israel began joint military operations in February. While Chinese firms have continued supplying dual-use technologies to Iran, direct involvement by the Chinese government in weapons transfers would represent a significant escalation.

High-level engagements between Washington and Beijing have continued alongside ceasefire discussions, and Trump’s planned visit is expected to address several of these concerns.

One source familiar with the intelligence said China appears to be balancing its interests. Beijing is seen as avoiding direct involvement in the conflict while maintaining ties with Iran, a key supplier of oil, and preserving plausible deniability.

Sources also noted that China could frame any support as defensive in nature. This position could distinguish its actions from Russia, which has reportedly supported Iran with intelligence sharing during the conflict.

Iran maintains long-standing military and economic ties with both China and Russia. It has also supported Moscow in its war in Ukraine, including the supply of Shahed drones, while continuing to export much of its sanctioned oil to China.

Donald Trump, CNN Punch Each Other Over Iran ‘Victory’ Report

By Sabiu Abdullahi


United States President Donald Trump has criticised CNN over a report linked to Iran’s claim of victory after a ceasefire agreement, alleging that the network relied on a false source.

The president made the allegation on Wednesday through his Truth Social platform. His comments came shortly after he announced a two-week ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran.



Reacting to a statement attributed to Iranian authorities, Trump said, “The alleged statement put out by CNN World News is a fraud, as CNN well knows.”

He also claimed that the report originated from an unreliable platform. According to him, “The false statement was linked to a Fake News site (from Nigeria) and, of course, immediately picked up by CNN, and blared out as a ‘legitimate’ headline.”

Trump maintained that the version circulated by CNN did not reflect Iran’s official position. He said, “The Official Statement by Iran was just released, and posted on TRUTH, below.”

In another post, the president intensified his criticism of the network. He said, “No one can believe that Fake News CNN put out a knowingly false and dangerous statement pretending it came from the upper levels of the Iranian Government. It didn’t! It was totally made up and posted, as a headline, for purpose of, perhaps, inflaming a very delicate situation.”

He further alleged that the report came from “a new, trouble-making site from Nigeria,” and added that “CNN just got caught cheating — a very dangerous thing to do.”

The disputed report was said to have been issued by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. It claimed that Tehran recorded a “historic and crushing defeat” against the United States and forced Washington to accept parts of its negotiation terms.

Trump rejected the claim and insisted that Iran’s official statement did not support such conclusions. He also called on CNN to withdraw the report and issue an apology.

He said, “Authorities are looking to determine whether or not a crime was committed on the issuance of the Fake CNN World Statement, or was it a sick rogue player.”

He added, “CNN is being ordered to immediately withdraw this statement with full apologies for their, as usual, terrible ‘reporting.’ Results of the investigation will be announced in the near future.”

Trump’s reference to Nigeria has drawn reactions, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim that the report came from a Nigerian-based platform.

The Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, supported the president’s position and faulted CNN’s handling of the report.

Carr said, “Fake news is bad enough for the country, but pushing out a hoax headline in such a sensitive national security moment as this requires accountability.”

CNN, however, defended its report and declined to retract it. A spokesperson for the network said the information came directly from Iranian officials and was confirmed by several state media outlets in Iran.

The spokesperson stated, “We received the statement from specific official Iranian spokespeople who are known to us,” and noted that similar versions appeared in English and Farsi across Iranian platforms.

The network insisted that its report reflected information provided by Iranian authorities at the time. It added that standard verification processes were followed before publication.

The disagreement comes amid global attention on the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The agreement was reached shortly before a deadline set by Trump for possible military action.

Both countries have claimed success in the standoff. The ceasefire has, however, been widely seen as a step toward reducing tensions, especially due to the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil supply.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that safe passage through the strait would be ensured for two weeks under the agreement.

Iran Says US Accepts Peace Proposal ‘In Principle’ Ahead Of Talks

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has announced that the United States has accepted “in principle” a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

According to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the country’s Supreme National Security Council said on Wednesday that the proposal would form the basis for upcoming negotiations. The talks are expected to focus on reaching a comprehensive agreement to end hostilities.

The report stated that the proposal includes guarantees of non-aggression, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, and recognition of Tehran’s right to enrich uranium. It also calls for the removal of all US primary and secondary sanctions, the end of measures imposed by the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as compensation payments and the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region.

The council emphasised that any final deal would depend on whether Iran’s conditions are met and on the completion of detailed negotiations. It added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be maintained during the negotiation period in coordination with Iran’s armed forces.

Negotiations are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as mediator. The discussions are expected to last up to two weeks.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Washington would pause attacks on Iran for the same period, describing Tehran’s proposal as a “workable basis” for discussions.

Iranian media reported that the plan outlines an end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and proposes a broader framework for a lasting settlement.

The New York Times reported that the proposal was delivered through Pakistani mediators and is intended to serve as a comprehensive roadmap towards a permanent resolution of the conflict.

The proposal also includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, with a fee of $2 million per vessel to be shared between Iran and Oman. Instead of direct compensation, Iran is expected to use its share of the transit revenue to rebuild infrastructure damaged during recent attacks.

U.S. Senator Urges Trump’s Immediate Removal, Cites Security Concerns

By Sabiu Abdullahi


A U.S. Senator, Edward J. Markey, has demanded the immediate removal of President Donald Trump from office. He described the president’s recent remarks as dangerous and without precedent.

In a statement issued in Boston on April 7, 2026, Markey said, “With each passing day, it becomes increasingly apparent that Donald Trump is unstable and a clear and present danger, not just to the American people but to the world. He must be removed from office before he causes incalculable and unfathomable harm.”

He dismissed the idea that limited legislative steps would address the situation. Markey stressed that stronger action was necessary.

“At this point, a war powers resolution, although required under our constitutional order, will not be enough. We have a warmonger in the White House,” he said.

“He has threatened war crimes on an apocalyptic scale and appears eager to commit them, including through the possible use of nuclear weapons. We cannot fund this illegal war. The Congress must act now.”

The senator called on lawmakers to move quickly. He outlined constitutional options available to Congress and the executive branch.

“The House and Senate must return to session. The House must pass articles of impeachment, and then the Senate must vote to convict and remove the President. Or, the cabinet and Vice President, with congressional concurrence, must invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump,” he said.

Markey warned that the situation carries serious global implications.

“His threats cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. This is as grave a moment as the world has faced in the nuclear era,” he said.

Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran has taken a more cautious stance. He distanced himself from extreme rhetoric linked to the rising tension between the United States and Iran.

In a statement released on April 7, 2026, Moran emphasized the importance of strong national defense. He also stressed that military action must follow legal and moral standards.

“The United States of America must always be prepared to use overwhelming military force when necessary to defend our national security interests and protect Americans at home and abroad,” Moran said.

He added that presidential powers must remain within constitutional limits.

“And, a President should have the latitude to make decisions to that end, but only to the extent that those decisions are also consistent with the inherent authority of a Commander-in-Chief under the U.S. Constitution and the provisions of the War Powers Resolution,” he stated.

Moran explained that his earlier support for Trump’s actions on Iran was based on their alignment with national security and legal authority.

“To date, I have supported the President’s decisions relating to the Iranian conflict because they were consistent with these authorities and the ultimate goal of protecting national security interests,” he added.

However, he rejected calls that suggest wiping out an entire society. He said such statements go against American values.

“At the same time, what sets America apart is not only our strength, but how we use it. Our nation has always conducted military operations for just causes and through just and moral means. This must continue in the future; otherwise we forfeit our legitimacy to lead the world,” Moran said.

“So, let me be clear: I do not support the destruction of a ‘whole civilization.’ That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America,” he said.

Reaffirming his position, Moran said, “I have and will continue to support a strong national defense—one that is focused, disciplined, and firmly rooted in protecting the safety and security of the American people. But, how we protect the lives of the innocent is just as important as how we engage the enemy.”

He concluded by stating, “America is great because America is good.”

The remarks from both lawmakers come amid growing political reactions to President Trump’s recent comments on the Iran crisis. The president had earlier warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” as tensions continued to rise.

He also said, “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”