Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Wednesday that President Donald Trump's past actions against Iran demonstrate the kind of courage and decisiveness that is shaping how he is preparing to confront the regime's latest threats.
Speaking on "National Report," Cornyn said Trump has already proven he is willing to act where previous administrations hesitated, particularly when it comes to Iran's nuclear ambitions and broader regional aggression.
"President Trump has shown great courage in taking out a lot of the threats, particularly the nuclear program," Cornyn said.
"While the Biden administration was sitting there waiting for the number one state sponsor of terrorism, Iran, to get a nuclear weapon — and a country that's determined to wipe Israel off the map — President Trump had the courage and decisiveness to take action."
Cornyn also contrasted Trump's record with that of former President Barack Obama, arguing that Trump backs up his warnings with action.
"Barack Obama declared a red line but did nothing about it when [Syria] stepped over that line," Cornyn said.
"I think President Trump is a man of action. And I think the regime should be very concerned."
Cornyn said that concern is already being felt in Tehran, especially given recent U.S. actions elsewhere, including the arrest of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
"I think, particularly in light of the arrest of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, the supreme leader and the regime in Tehran is very concerned about what President Trump may do," he said.
Cornyn noted that Trump is being presented with a range of options by top national security officials as tensions with Iran escalate.
He cited CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as among those advising the president.
"I know the intelligence agencies … and others are providing the president with a number of different options," Cornyn said. "The real question is which of the tools that his Cabinet has presented to him he decides to use."
According to Cornyn, Iran's leadership understands that Trump's words carry weight.
"I think the supreme leader and the regime is on notice," said Cornyn. "They know that President Trump means what he says and says what he means."
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Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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