Trump’s Stance on Military Action: Insights from Larry Kudlow on Increasing Likelihood

As President Trump navigates the complex waters of a potential surrender deal with Iran, it’s essential to recognize two critical points. First, no other president in modern history has been willing to confront the radical Muslim regime in Iran both militarily and economically.

For nearly 50 years, Iran has been a persistent enemy, inflicting significant harm on the United States, Israel, and our allies throughout the Middle East and beyond. The Iranian regime is responsible for the deaths of approximately 1,000 American soldiers and has financed terror attacks that evoke memories of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime nearly a century ago. In return, Iran openly expresses its hatred for America and poses a nuclear threat, not only through enriched uranium but also via advanced missile development. Under President Trump, Iran has faced severe military setbacks.

While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may still possess some military resources, estimates suggest that at least 80% of their capabilities have been diminished. Experts believe it could take two decades or more for Iran to rebuild its military strength.

In crippling Iran, President Trump has performed a significant service to humanity. The second crucial point to consider is that throughout this negotiation process, he has remained steadfast on his red lines. In recent interviews, he reiterated his unwavering demands: Iran must cease all nuclear development, transfer its enriched uranium to American custody, or destroy it entirely. Furthermore, he insists that the Strait of Hormuz be fully open for navigation without any controls or tolls, and he has made it clear that no financial assistance will be provided to Iran.

When asked on Sunday whether he would “unfreeze any Iranian assets or lift any sanctions up front as a part of any deal,” President Trump firmly replied, “No.” A follow-up question about whether such actions would come later was met with a straightforward, “Comes after. Yeah. If they behave, if they do their job we stop talking. Yeah.”

There are no inflated estimates of $12 billion, $24 billion, or even $124 billion regarding Iranian assets for the IRGC. Instead, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Economic Fury includes a naval blockade and aggressive sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Asset Control. This has led to the freezing or complete seizure of various Iranian assets, including cryptocurrency, offshore bank accounts, and luxury villas.

Mr. Bessent now aims to liquidate these offshore IRGC assets to help rebuild our Gulf allies. This strategy represents a form of economic and financial starvation that complements the military pressure being applied. President Trump has not ruled out further military action and has consistently maintained his position. While Iran may never surrender, they will undoubtedly wish they had.

As President Trump navigates the complex waters of a potential surrender deal with Iran, it’s essential to recognize two critical points. First, no other president in modern history has been willing to confront the radical Muslim regime in Iran both militarily and economically.

For nearly 50 years, Iran has been a persistent enemy, inflicting significant harm on the United States, Israel, and our allies throughout the Middle East and beyond. The Iranian regime is responsible for the deaths of approximately 1,000 American soldiers and has financed terror attacks that evoke memories of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime nearly a century ago. In return, Iran openly expresses its hatred for America and poses a nuclear threat, not only through enriched uranium but also via advanced missile development. Under President Trump, Iran has faced severe military setbacks.

While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may still possess some military resources, estimates suggest that at least 80% of their capabilities have been diminished. Experts believe it could take two decades or more for Iran to rebuild its military strength.

In crippling Iran, President Trump has performed a significant service to humanity. The second crucial point to consider is that throughout this negotiation process, he has remained steadfast on his red lines. In recent interviews, he reiterated his unwavering demands: Iran must cease all nuclear development, transfer its enriched uranium to American custody, or destroy it entirely. Furthermore, he insists that the Strait of Hormuz be fully open for navigation without any controls or tolls, and he has made it clear that no financial assistance will be provided to Iran.

When asked on Sunday whether he would “unfreeze any Iranian assets or lift any sanctions up front as a part of any deal,” President Trump firmly replied, “No.” A follow-up question about whether such actions would come later was met with a straightforward, “Comes after. Yeah. If they behave, if they do their job we stop talking. Yeah.”

There are no inflated estimates of $12 billion, $24 billion, or even $124 billion regarding Iranian assets for the IRGC. Instead, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Economic Fury includes a naval blockade and aggressive sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Asset Control. This has led to the freezing or complete seizure of various Iranian assets, including cryptocurrency, offshore bank accounts, and luxury villas.

Mr. Bessent now aims to liquidate these offshore IRGC assets to help rebuild our Gulf allies. This strategy represents a form of economic and financial starvation that complements the military pressure being applied. President Trump has not ruled out further military action and has consistently maintained his position. While Iran may never surrender, they will undoubtedly wish they had.