Iran’s mullahs: Time to take the gloves off

As in the Vietnam War, we expect soon to see Americans: celebrities, college activists and other keffiyeh-klad tools visiting Iran, shaking hands with the murderous regime. Maybe even Greta will be there posing by a bearded, robed and smiling cleric and ladies in pink, heads covered, with her raised fist. TD

 James Zumwalt  

But, in light of Iran’s second video to target a Trump family member, the president has now officially taken off the gloves. He has publicly declared Iran’s leadership is fair game.

"In its early days of the sport, boxers fought with their bare fists. It was not until 1867 that the Queensbury rules required the wearing of gloves and abiding by certain rules to ensure a sportsman-like contest. Also in the 19th century, civilized nations recognized a need for providing guidelines on how combat should be fought on the world’s battlefields, issuing the laws of warfare. Interestingly, during our war with Iran, President Donald Trump took the unusual step of ensuring, initially at least, that the U.S. and Israel followed the Queensbury rules of warfare—but not anymore.

"A quick recap: Coordinating combat efforts with the U.S. against Iran as the conflict started on February 28 was Israel. As the war progressed, Trump became aware of a course of action upon which Israel was embarking that caused him some concerns. They involved Israel’s intention to eliminate Iran’s top negotiators, Abbas Araghchi—Tehran’s foreign minister—and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf—its speaker of the Parliament.

"Going after Iran’s top leaders was part of Israel’s gameplan from the outset, evidenced by its first air strike eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. By April, with ceasefire talks being conducted through third parties, Trump reportedly asked countries in West Asia to notify Iranian officials about Israel’s intentions.

"Of course, that was then and now is now. Subsequent outrageous acts by Iran’s leadership have caused a reset of Trump’s mindset.

"Recently, Iranian television aired a propaganda video titled, “Where to kill Barron Trump?” The mullahs, obviously lacking any interest in observing the laws of warfare, sought to terrorize Trump by declaring his son Barron a target. And, with their airforce, navy, and economy decimated, they offered a $10 million reward to anyone who killed him." . .  .

"The U.S. has finally come to accept a principle of warfare Israel recognized long ago: a fair fight against the mullahs involves tossing all rules out the window."

James Zumwalt is a retired Marine infantry officer who served in the Vietnam War, Panama, and Operation Desert Storm. He is the author of three books and hundreds of opinion pieces in online and print publications. He speaks frequently on foreign policy and defense issues as well as on the leadership of his famous father, after whom the world’s first stealth destroyer is named.