Condoleezza Rice Urges Trump Administration To Permanently Neutralize Iran After Major Military Operation

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has called on the Trump administration to take decisive action against Iran following a massive joint military campaign conducted by the United States and Israel.

Speaking during an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Rice described the recent military campaign—known as Operation Epic Fury—as an effort to dismantle Iran’s military power and weaken its ability to threaten the United States and its allies.

The operation, which involved tens of thousands of American troops and extensive air and naval power, reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a development that could dramatically reshape the political future of the Islamic Republic.

Rice: Iran Has Been in Conflict With the U.S. for Decades

During the interview, Rice argued that the strikes should not be interpreted as the beginning of a new war. Instead, she framed the conflict as part of a much longer confrontation between Iran and the United States.

According to Rice, tensions between the two countries have existed for nearly half a century.

“Iran has been at war with us for at least 47 years,” she said.

Rice pointed to the Iraq War as an example of Iran’s indirect role in conflict with the United States. She noted that a significant portion of American casualties in Iraq were linked to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) manufactured or supplied by Iran.

Some estimates, she explained, suggested that as many as 75% to 80% of American casualties in Iraq were caused by these Iranian-made roadside bombs.

Concerns Over Iran’s Global Military Reach

Rice, who served both as national security adviser and later secretary of state under President George W. Bush, emphasized that Iran’s influence extends far beyond its borders.

She said Tehran has spent years building military capabilities and forming alliances with militant organizations across the Middle East.

In particular, she highlighted Iran’s support for groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, which she said have received weapons, funding, and logistical assistance from the Iranian government.

According to Rice, these relationships have allowed Iran to project power across the region while avoiding direct confrontation.

“They have developed the military capability to reach outside the boundaries of Iran,” Rice said, referring to Tehran’s backing of militant groups throughout the Middle East.

Massive Military Operation Involved Tens of Thousands of Troops

Operation Epic Fury represents one of the largest U.S. military actions in the region in recent years.

According to figures provided by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation involved:

• More than 50,000 U.S. troops
• Over 200 military aircraft
• Two aircraft carrier strike groups

During the operation, 20 Iranian naval vessels were reportedly destroyed or sunk.

The conflict has also resulted in American casualties. Officials say six U.S. service members have been killed since the campaign began.

Footage released by CENTCOM shows explosions and large plumes of smoke rising from strike locations inside Iran following coordinated attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces.

Strikes Follow Collapse of Nuclear Negotiations

The joint military operation took place after diplomatic efforts aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program reportedly failed.

According to U.S. officials, negotiations broke down after Iran refused to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Rice argued that the military campaign was a necessary response to what she described as a long-standing threat posed by the Iranian regime.

“To say that this regime was not a threat… it’s ahistorical,” she said. “They have been a threat for a long time.”

Strategic Goal: Strip Iran of Its Military Capabilities

Rice said the primary objective of Operation Epic Fury is to significantly weaken Iran’s military capacity and disrupt its ability to coordinate attacks through allied militant groups.

“If you can render Iran essentially incapable of military action against us and against our allies, that’s worthy,” she explained.

In her view, the operation seeks to fundamentally reshape the regional balance of power by reducing Iran’s ability to wage war directly or indirectly.

“I think what they’re trying to do is to neuter Iran as a military power in the region,” Rice said.

Iran’s Leadership Now Faces an Uncertain Future

The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has raised major questions about the future leadership of Iran.

President Donald Trump has stated that the military strikes were so effective that they eliminated much of the country’s potential leadership succession structure.

As a result, analysts say the Islamic Republic may face a period of internal instability as political factions compete to fill the power vacuum.

At the same time, reports suggest the Trump administration is considering additional strategies to weaken the Iranian government, including the possibility of supporting internal opposition groups or militias seeking to challenge the regime.

Rice Says the U.S. Must Act While Iran Is Vulnerable

Rice warned that the current moment may represent a rare strategic opportunity.

According to her, Iran’s military and leadership structures appear weakened following the strikes, leaving the country temporarily vulnerable.

However, she cautioned that this situation may not last long.

“They are essentially, at this moment, defenseless,” Rice said. “They won’t always be defenseless.”

Because of that, she urged U.S. leaders to move quickly and decisively.

“The decision,” Rice concluded, “is to really, at this point, take care of it and render them incapable of those activities.”