On February 28, 2026, the U.S. completed a successful joint operation with our Israeli allies aimed at toppling the radical Islamic regime in Tehran, Iran. Within hours of the assault, reports confirmed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed alongside many of the regime’s senior leaders.

As a combat veteran with nearly 30 years of service, this conflict hits close to home. Throughout my career, I spent a lot of time in the Middle East across two wars and multiple deployments. I witnessed firsthand the pain and suffering caused by these oppressive regimes and the deep-seated hatred they hold for our nation.

This reality did not emerge overnight. Iran’s radical leadership has a long history of provoking the U.S. and its allies.

In 1979, when I was 14 in the 8th grade, the Iranian Revolution overthrew the Shah, and militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. That singular event effectively ended diplomatic relations as we know them today.

In the 1980s, Iran-linked Hezbollah killed American personnel in Lebanon, further escalating tensions. We also saw direct naval confrontations, including Operation Praying Mantis, a retaliatory action in response to the mining of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, which claimed the lives of two American service members.

In the 1990s, the U.S. imposed sweeping economic sanctions in response to Iran’s funding of terrorist organizations across the globe. Over the last two decades, our nation has taken numerous measures to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons, including several tactical operations under the direction of President Trump.

From my perspective as a veteran and former Army Colonel, Operation Epic Fury was not just another show of force; it was a clear signal that the U.S. will no longer bow to its enemies.

From my time in military leadership to my work in the Army’s chemical weapons programs and experience in the defense sector, I can say without hesitation that this operation was paramount to our national security.

Without strong leadership willing to confront our adversaries, our nation risks being overtaken by those who seek our destruction. I want to thank President Trump, Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth and the countless military and civilian personnel at every level who contributed to the success of this mission.

May God bless our troops, and may God bless America.