Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump's envoy for special missions, said Thursday on Newsmax that Trump prioritizes serious diplomacy but follows through with action to resolve problems such as Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs when talks reach their limit.
Grenell's remarks, made on "Rob Schmitt Tonight," came as the administration faces criticism for its Iran policy amid unease over a wider Middle East conflict.
He argued that confronting Iran's arsenal carried a political price but represented the right choice after years of delay by prior administrations.
Grenell said every previous president had been unwilling to confront the issue directly.
"Every single president before Donald Trump has been unwilling to fix the problem," he said.
Previous U.S. administrations pursued varying strategies toward Iran's nuclear program.
Under President George W. Bush, the administration backed European diplomacy and sanctions while offering Iran a civil nuclear program in exchange for suspending enrichment.
Barack Obama negotiated the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which imposed limits on Iran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.
While President Joe Biden sought to revive the JCPOA through negotiations, talks stalled as Iran continued to expand its uranium enrichment.
During his first term, Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed a "maximum pressure" sanctions campaign.
"You look at the border, you look at Iran, you look at Venezuela," Grenell said, noting Trump, by contrast, "goes in and fixes the problem" rather than complaining or taking half-measures. "He's not a seat-warmer president. He is somebody who gets in there and fixes problems."
Grenell stressed that Trump always begins with diplomacy.
"I know Donald Trump is very serious about diplomacy," he said.
"He tries it, but it's not an endless diplomatic cycle. There is an end to it. You don't move. And then he does, and he fixes the problem. Thank God we have a president who is willing to do strong diplomacy and military action when necessary."
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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