Yesterday, President Trump stepped back from his promise to devastate the infrastructure of Iran essential not only to its military, but the civilian population, as well. If we want the Iranian people’s help, this was a necessary course-correction.

The truth is, moreover, you cannot play chicken with an apocalyptic regime. This one’s leaders and loyalists believe they can bring back their messiah and usher in Islam’s golden age by precipitating cataclysmic devastation. 

As long as any of them remain in power, ceasefires, promises about opening the Strait of Hormuz and any other putative concessions will be seen by them and their friends as victories. And set the stage for more jihad against us and the rest of Western civilization.

Consequently, we must insist on the Iranian regime’s unconditional surrender and the actual liberation of our natural allies – the longsuffering people of Iran.

This is Frank Gaffney.