Congressman Mike Waltz (R-FL), recently tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as his National Security Adviser, spoke To Fox News about the incoming administration’s plans for addressing challenges in Iran and Syria.
Waltz’s remarks outlined a significant policy shift aimed at reimposing “maximum pressure” on Iran and tackling threats posed by ISIS and other extremist groups in the Middle East.
Waltz criticized the Biden administration’s approach to Iran, calling recent waivers of $10 billion to Tehran a strategic misstep. “Concessions to Iran have failed to curb their behavior,” he said, referencing ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Waltz emphasized the need to cut Iran’s access to cash and oil exports while crediting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions against Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas.
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He also stressed the need for Iraq to reduce its dependency on Iranian electricity. “Iraq should have transitioned to self-sufficiency years ago,” he added, pointing to partnerships with the Kurdish region in northern Iraq as a potential solution.
Waltz maintained that the administration is not advocating for regime change in Iran but emphasized the necessity of pressuring the regime to adopt a more moderate stance. “The president has been clear: we will do everything possible to avoid being dragged into new Middle East wars, but we must remain vigilant about the threat Iran poses.”
Discussing Syria, Waltz highlighted ongoing risks from ISIS, which remains a latent threat despite the dismantling of its caliphate during Trump’s first term. He noted the tens of thousands of ISIS fighters detained in camps overseen by Kurdish forces. “Our priority is ensuring these camps remain secure, and that Turkey-backed forces do not turn on the Kurds after addressing Assad’s regime,” Waltz warned.
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Waltz expressed caution regarding Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly aligned with al-Qaeda. “The jury’s out,” he said. “We’re watching closely to ensure HTS or others don’t facilitate a resurgence of ISIS or lead Syria down a path of extremist governance.”
He acknowledged the delicate balance required to stabilize Syria, citing ongoing discussions between HTS and former Assad regime officials. “They’re talking governance instead of chaos, but we remain vigilant,” Waltz added.
Waltz reiterated the administration’s commitment to preventing a resurgence of the ISIS caliphate and maintaining stability in the region. “Our critical interest is to ensure ISIS doesn’t return to threaten Americans or global security,” he said.
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In a poignant moment, Waltz addressed the case of journalist Austin Tice, missing in Syria since 2012. “We haven’t forgotten Austin Tice,” he said, adding that efforts are ongoing to locate him. “This administration is working tirelessly to bring him home, searching every prison and pursuing every lead.”
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, Waltz’s appointment signals a renewed focus on reasserting U.S. influence in the Middle East through a combination of economic pressure and strategic partnerships. His remarks underscore the administration’s intention to prioritize national security while steering clear of prolonged military engagements.
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