Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on Iran has drawn significant criticism from Senator Tom Cotton, who argues that her policies would weaken American national security and embolden the Iranian regime. Cotton contends that Harris’s approach is a stark contrast to former President Donald Trump’s tough stance, which he claims was successful in deterring Iranian aggression.
Cotton highlights several aspects of Harris’s approach that he believes are detrimental to American interests. He criticizes her advisors, particularly her National Security Advisor Phil Gordon, who he claims is linked to a Pentagon official reportedly involved in Iranian influence operations. He also criticizes her attempts to pressure Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting Hamas’s ceasefire demands, arguing that this would appease a terrorist organization.
Furthermore, Cotton points to Harris’s energy policies, claiming that her approach would benefit Iran by increasing oil prices. He argues that her focus on renewable energy would lead to a decrease in American oil production, giving Iran an advantage in the global oil market.
Cotton contrasts Harris’s policies with those of President Trump, who he credits with significantly weakening Iran’s economy by imposing sanctions and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. He argues that Trump’s tough stance deterred Iran from carrying out major terrorist attacks and contained its nuclear program.
He emphasizes that Iran’s actions have had dire consequences for Americans, citing its involvement in the deaths of hundreds of American troops in Iraq and its support of terrorist groups like Hamas. He argues that Harris’s weak and conciliatory approach would only embolden Iran and put American troops and allies at greater risk.
Cotton concludes by advocating for a return to Trump’s strong policies, which he believes are essential to deterring Iranian aggression and ensuring American national security. He calls for decisive leadership and a rejection of appeasement, arguing that only a strong stance can effectively counter Iran’s threats.