'The world is safer': John Fetterman applauds elimination of Iran's Supreme leader

John Fetterman defends the strike on Khamenei, claiming past treaties and sanctions never worked
PUBLISHED MAR 4, 2026
Speaking at the Capitol, John Fetterman asks why leaders cannot admit the world is safer now. He rejects party lines, choosing to support the president's move to erase a major nuclear threat (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Speaking at the Capitol, John Fetterman asks why leaders cannot admit the world is safer now. He rejects party lines, choosing to support the president's move to erase a major nuclear threat (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC:  Democrat Senator John Fetterman on Tuesday, March 3, praised the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the world a “safer” place because of it.

Speaking after a high-level classified briefing in the US Capitol, Fetterman argued that the world is better following the death of a leader he described as one of the most ‘evil people on the face of the Earth.’



Fetterman calls Democratic divide 'toxic' while backing president

Fetterman admitted that it is often difficult for a Democrat to agree with the current administration. 

"You know, it's pretty toxic for a Democrat to say, I happen to agree with, with the president on really anything at this point," Fetterman said. 

However, he argued that everyone has always agreed that Iran should never have a nuclear bomb. "But, again, find someone who opposes this," he added. "They've all said, You're not. We can never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb."

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., arrives before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., arrives before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Fetterman highlights decades of failed talks

The Senator pointed out that decades of trying to talk to Iran have not worked. He noted that for 47 years, "sanctions, treaties, and all kinds of other negotiations, everything. Nothing's worked." 

"So why can't we all just say, The world is safer, and it's for just now, because of that, what happens?" he asked.

Fetterman stated that he is not afraid to speak his mind, even if it upsets his political supporters. 

"I'm the only Democrat, 'cause I'm not afraid of my base to just say, you know what? This wasn't overall a good thing," he said. 

He concluded by asking why people cannot simply admit that a villain is gone. "So, like, why can't you just acknowledge that one of the most evil people on the face of the Earth was erased? That's a good thing," Fetterman concluded.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) applaud as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol on February 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy, and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. (Photo by Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) applaud as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)

Fetterman's history of supporting Trump

This is not the first time Fetterman has supported President Trump’s actions against Iran. 

On Sunday, March 1, he told CNN’s Dana Bash that the weekend strikes were justified to stop Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. "Imagine if people just listened to the conventional wisdom," he said. 

"They could have possibly have acquired a bomb if we weren’t bombed back in June. So, yes, there is a threat. It’s not imminent that it could happen right now. But it’s one that I think is entirely appropriate to deal with it." 

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

He also defended the legality of the moves, telling critics to "read the War Powers Act" and insisting the law had not been violated.

Fetterman has a long record of this stance, having supported 'Operation Midnight Hammer' in June 2025. 

At that time, he was the only Democratic senator to vote against a resolution that tried to limit the president's power to launch such attacks. 

"I’m proud to stand and agree with and say, yes, that’s the president from a different party," Fetterman declared. "I absolutely support the things that he’s done."

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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