House Republicans are praising President Donald Trump’s (R) reinstatement of a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) that restores maximum pressure on Iran.
The NSPM denies Iran any path to a nuclear weapon while countering its influence abroad.
In a joint statement, Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R), the House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee; Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole (R), the House Appropriations Committee Chairman; and California Rep. Ken Calvert (R), the Chairman of the Defense Subcomittee, not only praised the move, but they also emphasized the necessity for the strategy.
“The Iranian regime isn’t shy about its desire to destroy America,” the Republican lawmakers stated. “We fully support President Trump’s maximum pressure strategy to confront Iranian threats and deny their nuclear ambitions.”
The lawmakers celebrated the new leadership in the White House, commenting that “this rogue state sponsor of terror will no longer be able to exploit weakness and pursue destabilizing actions without consequence.”
“By targeting resources Iran uses to support terrorists, abuse its people, and pursue weapons, we are putting America first and making the world safer. U.S. enemies are on notice—and deterrence and strength will lead to a safer and stronger future for all,” the lawmakers concluded.
The move signals a return to the president’s hardline stance on Iran, a policy that was significantly altered under the Biden administration, which pursued diplomatic negotiations and eased sanctions as part of a broader effort to limit Iran’s nuclear program. However, Republicans have long argued that such diplomacy emboldens Iran rather than curbing its aggression.
Texas Rep. Pat Fallon (R) also weighed in on social media, writing on X that “Trump’s EO to reinstate maximum pressure against Iran is great for anyone who values peace and stability. It’s VERY bad for supporters of terrorism, chaos, and destruction.”
Trump's EO to reinstate maximum pressure against Iran is great for anyone who values peace and stability.
It's VERY bad for supporters of terrorism, chaos and destruction.
— Rep. Pat Fallon (@RepPatFallon) February 5, 2025
As tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, the president’s policy shift is expected to reignite debates over the best approach to handling the Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
