Hillary Clinton urges GOP to ‘rein in’ Trump over Iran, warns of ‘irreparable damage’
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Republicans to take action against President Donald Trump, warning that his decisions on the international stage could inflict “irreparable damage” on the United States.
Her remarks came amid a fragile ceasefire after six weeks of intense fighting, as the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on February 28 targeting Iran’s political and military leadership following the collapse of negotiations over its nuclear program.
Hillary Clinton warns of Trump’s 'reckless' leadership
Speaking on 'Morning Joe' on MS NOW, Clinton described concerns about Trump’s decision-making behavior, referencing leadership psychology concepts she teaches at Columbia University. She explained the idea of a “domain of loss,” where leaders who feel they are losing become "more reckless."
Clinton expressed fear that Trump enjoys ordering military actions, suggesting he gains satisfaction from watching operations unfold. She referenced actions such as targeting Venezuela’s leadership and attacking Iran, warning that this pattern could escalate.
She called on Congress, including Republicans, to fulfill their “constitutional duty” and "rein in this president" before further damage is done to US global standing, military credibility, and leadership.
Clinton further linked accountability to upcoming elections, “And I will tell you when we win these midterm elections, because look at the elections were today or next week or the following week, we would win both the House and the Senate and I hope that’s what happens in November. Both because I want to see change, but also I want to see him held accountable."
She continued, "And so let’s do it now because I’m not sure we can wait and allow him, you know, free range to along with his buddy Hegseth to tell our military to go do things that are not even in the interests of the United States, as well as breaching, you know, the laws of war.”
Tensions with Iran continue amid collapse of negotiations
Clinton also highlighted concerns about US positioning in negotiations with Iran, stating the country is now in a “very weak position.” She argued that Iran should be the party under pressure but instead appears to have gained leverage.
According to Clinton, the US has lost initiative and would need to “wipe the slate clean” in future negotiations, bringing in experts knowledgeable about nuclear weapons.
Despite criticizing Trump’s broader Iran strategy, Clinton noted she had supported a previous targeted strike on nuclear sites in June, calling it a limited and appropriate objective, while opposing what she described as a later “incoherent attack.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts collapsed over the weekend after negotiations in Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance left talks without a deal.
Trump responded by stating he did not care whether Iran returned to negotiations, asserting that Iran still seeks nuclear weapons and reiterating that it would not be allowed to obtain them. He also confirmed that the ceasefire was “holding well”.
Trump also claimed severe damage to Iran’s military, including the destruction of much of its navy, and announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent oil exports, describing it as “very effective.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by stating that an agreement remains possible if the US respects Iran’s rights and abandons what he called “totalitarianism.”
