Former Vice President Mike Pence made headlines Sunday after offering a blunt assessment of President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran, arguing the operation is not the start of a new war — but the final phase of a conflict that has been building for nearly half a century.
Speaking during an appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Pence said the current military campaign represents the culmination of decades of tensions between the United States and Iran’s leadership.
“One administration after another has confronted Iran’s network of violence targeting American troops, American citizens, and our allies in the Middle East — especially Israel,” Pence said. “This isn’t about starting a war. It’s about finishing one that has been nearly 50 years in the making.”
The Long History Behind the Iran Conflict
Pence pointed to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis as the moment the modern conflict between the United States and Iran truly began.
During that crisis, Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held more than 50 American diplomats hostage for 444 days, a dramatic event that shocked Americans and reshaped U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Since the Islamic Republic of Iran came to power that same year, the country has remained one of Washington’s most persistent geopolitical adversaries.
Now, the Trump administration’s current military actions — including strikes carried out under Operation Epic Fury — are aimed at dismantling Iran’s military capabilities and weakening the regime’s ability to threaten American forces and allies in the region.
Leadership Turmoil Inside Iran
Recent developments have also raised questions about the stability of Iran’s leadership.
Reports indicate that Iran’s longtime Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during the first wave of military strikes in late February. Vice President JD Vance has also suggested that Khamenei’s son and potential successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have been injured in subsequent attacks.
While details remain difficult to confirm independently, analysts say the leadership uncertainty could have significant consequences for Iran’s political future.
Could the Iranian Regime Face Growing Pressure?
Pence also argued that weakening Iran’s military and internal security forces could open the door for change inside the country.
Earlier this year, widespread protests broke out across Iran as thousands of citizens demonstrated against the ruling government. Reports indicated the regime responded with a severe crackdown, resulting in numerous casualties.
According to Pence, the current military campaign could shift the balance of power.
“The regime has shown it is willing to use violence against its own people,” Pence said. “But if their military infrastructure and internal security apparatus are weakened, it could allow the Iranian people to step forward and reclaim their country.”
Sending a Message to America’s Rivals
The former vice president also said the operation could have global implications beyond the Middle East.
Pence argued that a strong American response in the region would send a clear message to geopolitical rivals such as China and Russia, particularly after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan several years ago.
“Reestablishing America’s presence and leadership sends a powerful signal,” Pence said. “It tells Beijing, Moscow, and enemies of freedom around the world that the United States remains the leader of the free world.”
A Conflict With Global Consequences
As tensions continue to unfold, the situation involving Trump’s Iran strategy could have lasting effects on global energy markets, international alliances, and security policies throughout the Middle East.
Supporters of the administration argue the goal is to reduce long-term threats to American interests and regional stability, while critics warn the conflict could reshape geopolitical dynamics for years to come.
For now, Pence believes the current moment represents a turning point in a conflict that has defined U.S.–Iran relations for nearly five decades.