Jeb Bush praises Trump’s Iran strikes, says ‘This is their time to take their great country back’
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush voiced support for President Donald Trump following Saturday’s military strikes against Iran, calling the operation historic and urging the Iranian people to reclaim their nation.
Bush, who ran against Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, made the remarks alongside Ambassador Mark Wallace through United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), the nonprofit they co-lead.
The statements followed Trump’s order for joint US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and military capabilities. Israeli officials and President Trump said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead, though broader confirmation remains unverified.
We @UANI salute the courage and professionalism of American and Israeli service members carrying out this historic mission against #Iran's regime. We applaud President Trump for his courageous decision to launch this military operation. https://t.co/xa2NtxuKXo
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) February 28, 2026
United Against a Nuclear Iran backs ‘historic mission’
UANI, founded in 2008 by Wallace and former diplomat Dennis Ross, has long focused on highlighting threats from Iran, including human rights abuses, attacks on Americans, and risks to businesses operating there.
Operation Epic Fury marks a historic mission against the Iranian regime. We @UANI salute the courage and professionalism of American and Israeli service members and commend @POTUS for his courageous decision.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump @JebBushhttps://t.co/aGDrJeqV05
— Mark Wallace (@mark_d_wallace) February 28, 2026
Bush and Wallace praised the operation on social media. “Operation Epic Fury marks a historic mission against the Iranian regime. We salute the courage and professionalism of American and Israeli service members and commend President Trump for his courageous decision,” they said.
Trump pursued diplomacy before strikes
Bush and Wallace stressed that the president had worked toward a diplomatic solution before authorizing military action. “This president engaged extensively and in good faith to achieve diplomacy,” they said, noting Iran chose confrontation instead.
“The regime chose escalation and continued its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Responsibility for this moment rests squarely with Ayatollah Khamenei,” they added, pointing out that past administrations had attempted, but failed, to integrate Iran into the international community peacefully.
Strikes target regime, not Iranian citizens
Bush and Wallace emphasized the operation focused on the regime’s capabilities rather than the Iranian people. “The Iranian people have long suffered under repression. Our goal is to see Iran free, prosperous, and at peace,” they said.
They concluded with a direct message to ordinary Iranians, “This is their time to take their great country back.”
