Mike Pence applauds Trump’s ‘nearly flawless’ execution of Iran strikes
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Vice President Mike Pence, who has emerged as a notable critic of Donald Trump in recent years, pivoted on Saturday, March 7, to heap praise on the President for the ongoing military campaign against Iran.
Appearing on Fox News’ Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany, Pence declared that "Operation Epic Fury" has seen a "nearly flawless execution."
The former Vice President’s support comes exactly one week after the US and Israel launched strikes that have successfully eliminated high-ranking Iranian officials, including the country’s supreme leader. Pence framed the current conflict as the final chapter of a 47-year struggle that began with the 1979 hostage crisis.
Taking fight to heart of terrorism
Pence lauded the President for moving beyond fighting the "tentacles" of the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to strike directly at its heart.
He credited the "decisive leadership" of the Commander-in-Chief for ending decades of what he described as a policy of fighting proxy forces.
Recalling his time at Trump's side during the 2020 strike on Qasem Soleimani, Pence stated he was not surprised by the current bold maneuvers.
He emphasized that he wanted to give the President "all the credit in the world" for the decision to launch these major combat operations.
Grieving loss of six American heroes
While maintaining his "flawless" assessment of the operation, Pence acknowledged the somber reality of the six US service members killed by an Iranian drone in Kuwait.
He noted that he joins the nation in grieving the lives of the soldiers being welcomed home today by the President and First Lady.
Despite these losses, Pence characterized the effort as an "extraordinary" military achievement. He quoted a Naval aviator involved in the strikes who felt "surrounded by greatness," adding that he could not be prouder of the men and women of the armed forces.
Rare unity following years of friction
The display of support marks a significant departure from the pair's strained relationship following the January 6 Capitol riot.
Trump previously criticized Pence for refusing to pause the counting of the Electoral College in the 2024 election, an action Pence maintained he lacked the authority to take.
On Saturday, however, the former Vice President focused entirely on the success of the current administration’s foreign policy.
He credited the President for setting into motion an operation that he believes will finally bring an end to nearly five decades of Iranian aggression against the United States.
