Former Iranian hostage Kevin Hermening said Thursday on Newsmax that the escalating U.S.-Israeli military operation targeting Iran could mark "the beginning of the end" for the regime.
Speaking on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Hermening reflected on the decadeslong conflict between Tehran and the West and said the current moment could represent a historic turning point.
"I hope it's the beginning of the end," he said when asked whether the military strikes could lead to the regime’s downfall.
"Certainly, the leadership is a big part of this whole thing, and many of the leaders are no longer leading Iran," Hermening added.
He said the next phase ultimately must be driven by the Iranian people rather than outside powers.
"So, it's really going to now be up to the Iranian people to take on the responsibility of pursuing their version of a liberal democracy, maybe someday having elections that are free and fair and open," Hermening said.
He cautioned that the United States should not attempt to install a new government in Tehran if the current regime collapses.
"But, we are going to have to really search for who that person is. But it can't be us installing anybody," Hermening said.
Instead, he said any future leadership must emerge organically from within Iranian society.
"The Iranian people are a proud people with a strong heritage, and I really hope that they’re someday going to be able to rejoin the community of nations," Hermening said.
Iran has remained largely isolated internationally since the Islamic Republic took power, he said, noting that it has been "almost 50 years."
During the interview, Hermening also recalled his personal experience during the hostage crisis that defined U.S.-Iran relations for decades.
He was 20 years old and serving as a Marine guard at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran when militants stormed the compound in November 1979.
"Marine guards are intended to try to defuse chaos, to try to work with the diplomats whose job it is to work with our host leaders, our host country," Hermening said.
But those efforts quickly collapsed as Iranian forces seized the embassy.
"The Iranian government, unfortunately, on that day didn't help at all," he said. "They sent their army to take over the embassy."
Hermening described the brutal treatment some hostages endured during the ordeal.
"We had military officers, senior military attachés at our embassy, beaten with rubber hoses and having their teeth broken off at the gum lines," he recounted.
Despite the uncertainty and psychological strain of captivity, Hermening said he remained hopeful throughout the crisis.
"I’m an optimist," he said. "I always thought we would get out."
Hermening and the other American hostages were released on Inauguration Day in January 1981 after 444 days in captivity, ending one of the most dramatic diplomatic crises of the late 20th century.
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Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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