Fact Check: Was Jimmy Carter the last POTUS who did not bomb a foreign country during his run?

WASHINGTON, DC: The US-Israel joint military strikes on Iran began on February 28 and marked a major escalation in longstanding tensions. This ongoing conflict, which is now in its second week as of Monday, March 9, involves coordinated airstrikes, missile attacks, and retaliatory actions.

Recently, a rumor circulated online claiming that former President Jimmy Carter was the last POTUS who did not bomb a foreign country during his run. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Jimmy Carter was last POTUS who did not bomb a foreign country

An X account made a post on Monday claiming, "Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) was the last US President who did not drop a single bomb on a foreign country during his presidency."

The viral post garnered more than 2 million views, and more than 67,000 X users liked the post at the time of filing this story.

President Donald Trump had announced 'major combat operations', describing them as precise and overwhelming, aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, destroying its missile and naval capabilities, and ultimately contributing to regime change or toppling the current leadership.

The POTUS mentioned that the campaign will continue until objectives are met and warned of far harsher responses if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.

Interestingly, Israel and the US have conducted waves of strikes, with the US providing direct involvement. Officials have also described it as highly integrated, with exceptional intelligence coordination that led to air dominance and damage to key sites.

Meanwhile, Iran retaliated with missile and drone barrages targeting Israel, US bases, and Gulf states.

Fact Check: True, historical records of military actions prove it

The claim made in the viral post that Jimmy Carter was the last POTUS who did not bomb a foreign country is true, based on historical records of US military actions.

As per the records, the US did not conduct any aerial bombing campaigns or drop bombs on foreign soil as part of military operations during Carter's single term (January 20, 1977–January 20, 1981).

Moreover, this includes no involvement in wars or strikes like those seen under subsequent administrations. The former POTUS himself emphasized this in a 2011 interview, as he said, "We kept our country at peace. We never went to war. We never dropped a bomb. We never fired a bullet." 

During Carter's term, the US faced challenges like the Iran hostage crisis (1979–1981), which led to the attempted Operation Eagle Claw rescue mission in April 1980. 

However, this involved helicopters and ground forces only, and no bombs were dropped. The mission failed due to mechanical issues and a collision, resulting in no combat engagement.

Meanwhile, Carter's foreign policy focused on diplomacy, human rights, and treaties, avoiding offensive military strikes.