Retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt expressed his admiration for President Donald Trump’s recent military action against Iran. During an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Kimmitt said he was "fascinated" and "impressed" by the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that took place on Saturday.
The U.S. military targeted three key nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Trump announced that these facilities were "totally obliterated" in a statement from the White House. He described the operation as a "spectacular military success," aimed at halting the nuclear threat from Iran, which he labeled the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Kimmitt praised Trump’s strategy, highlighting the use of "deception and trickery" in the planning of the strikes. He compared the situation to a real estate deal gone wrong, where negotiations become irrelevant after the property is destroyed. Kimmitt noted that this approach not only achieved military objectives but also potentially saved American lives.
While the strikes were successful, Kimmitt warned that Iran remains a threat. He pointed out that Iranian-backed militias in Iraq still pose significant risks to U.S. interests and personnel in the region. "The Iranians are down, but they’re not out," he said, emphasizing the ongoing dangers from these proxy forces.
Following the strikes, Trump urged Iran to engage in peace talks, stating that the country was now "backed into a corner." He also warned of more severe consequences if Iran did not comply.
The military action has sparked discussions about its legality, with some lawmakers arguing that it may not align with constitutional requirements for military engagement. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Iran will respond and what implications this will have for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.