Overview
- Speaking Saturday at Notre Dame, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the campaign moved beyond the June 2025 strikes on nuclear sites into a 'decapitation strike' that aimed for regime collapse without a viable endgame.
- DeSantis reiterated his support for Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, but argued later attacks that targeted the Ayatollah and senior clerics expanded the mission in ways the United States cannot sustain.
- He warned that imposing regime change would require 'massive amounts of boots on the ground' and huge resources the American public will not back, leaving the U.S. exposed to a prolonged conflict.
- DeSantis faulted inconsistent public explanations from senior administration figures about the campaign’s aims, saying mixed messages from officials including Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of State, and the vice president undermined clarity and public support.
- He linked the ongoing military campaign to political and economic costs for Americans, saying it hurt Republican prospects and raised energy prices, and he denied a Washington Post report that he is preparing another presidential run.