Former Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., said Sunday on Newsmax that President Donald Trump's willingness to pair tough rhetoric with military force is the only approach Tehran will respond to.
He defended Trump's latest threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if the country does not accept a U.S. proposal.
On "Wake Up America Weekend," just hours after Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States was "offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL" and would "knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran" if Tehran refused, Kingston said that the president was dealing with the rogue regime the only reasonable way.
Trump wrote, "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"
Asked whether Tehran would take the warning seriously, Kingston said it would have little choice.
"I think this is the only way they'll take the hint," he said.
"Tough language backed up by the kinetic forces; the real — not just talking the talk, but following up — makes a real difference in the Middle East."
Kingston argued that the current standoff is a consequence of what he described as a more accommodating posture toward Iran under former President Barack Obama and former President Joe Biden, both Democrats.
He said their approach amounted to providing cash and tolerating Iranian nuclear research on the assumption that Tehran would not pursue a weapon.
"That did not work," he said.
Trump's harder line, Kingston said, is producing results despite left-wing criticism.
"What President Trump is doing is worrisome ... to the American left. It is working," he said.
"We've made tremendous, tremendous progress in the last two months," Kingston said.
"And we're going to continue to until Iran comes to the peace table in a serious manner and cuts a deal," he said.
His comments came as the administration pressed Tehran to finalize terms following a two-week ceasefire Trump announced earlier this month, which paused a U.S. and Israeli military campaign launched in late February.
In Sunday's Truth Social post, Trump accused Iran of firing on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and called the action a violation of the ceasefire, while saying his representatives would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for further negotiations.
U.S. envoys, including Vice President JD Vance, led a 21-hour round of negotiations in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 that ended without a deal, with Pakistan acting as mediator.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, has been a central point of contention, with its closure during the conflict driving a sharp spike in energy prices.
Kingston did not specify what terms he believed Tehran should accept, but said continued U.S. pressure was essential until Iran negotiated seriously.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight’s special series and President Trump’s comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
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.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.