推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
我一向厭惡Ruhollah Khomeini建立的這個流氓政權與神權政治, 同時樂見流亡在美國的Reza Pahlevi能早日返回伊朗, 建立一個實施自由與民主/ 落實人權與法治的新巴勒維王朝.
==========================
Appendix I
Reza Pahlavi
@PahlaviReza
6/18/2025
https://x.com/PahlaviReza/status/1935041888886866181
Appendix II
Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last Shah (King) of Iran, and Crown Prince, called on the Iranian citizens to "reclaim Iran" in a video statement.
[Reza Pahlavi, activist, advocate and oldest son of the last Shah of Iran, speaks at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, on October 22, 2024.(photo credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]
JUNE 18, 2025 06:04
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-858118
Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last Shah (King) of Iran, and Crown Prince, called on the Iranian citizens to "reclaim Iran" in a video statement on Tuesday.
"The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is in the process of collapsing," Pahlavi declared. "Khamenei, like a frightened rat, has gone into hiding underground and has lost control of the situation."
In his address, the crown prince said the fall of the regime was "irreversible," describing the moment as a historic turning point for the Iranian people.
"The future is bright, and together, we will pass through this sharp turn in history," he said. "In these difficult days, my heart is with all the defenseless citizens who have been harmed and have fallen victim to Khamenei's warmongering and delusions."
Pahlavi, who has long advocated for a secular, democratic Iran, framed the regime's downfall as both imminent and necessary. He described the Islamic Republic as a system that was waged a "46-year war against the Iranian nation," and emphasized that its security and repression apparatus was crumbling.
Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince and son of the late Mohammad Reza Shah of Iran, attending the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony 2023 in Yad Vashem. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)"All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all," he said.
The prince called on citizens across the country - from Bandar Abbas to Shiraz, Tabriz to Zahedan - to take the streets and demand change.
'Now is the time to rise'
"Now is the time to rise; the time to reclaim Iran," he said. "Let us all come forward...and bring about the end of this regime."
Addressing concerns over instability in a post-regime landscape, Pahlavi sought to reassure Iranians that opposition forces have a plan for the country's future.
"Iran will not descend into civil war or instability," he said. "We are prepared for the first hundred days after the fall, for the transitional period, and for the establishment of a national and democratic government - by the Iranian people and for the Iranian people."
Pahlavi also directed part of his message to the military, police, and state workers, many of whom he said have contacted him in recent days.
"Do not stand against the Iranian people for the sake of a regime whose fall has begun and is inevitable," he said. "By standing with the people, you can save your lives...and take part in building the future of Iran."
He closed the address with a message of unity and hope: "A free and flourishing Iran lies ahead of us. May we be together soon. Long live Iran! Long live the Iranian nation!"
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也 (II)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
1
我在前面說:
//Los Angeles的Westwood Neighborhood [Wilshire Ave. & Westwood Blvd. 交會處] 有一個小社區叫 Little Persia (Little Tehran, Tehrangeles), 這是伊朗流亡人士與伊朗裔美國人聚居的地方. 住在東岸的Reza來過這個地方幾次, 宣慰他的支持者與勤王派人士. 我若去UCLA的圖書館找資料, 通常會在回家之前, 走路到這個社區, 去專賣與伊朗或波斯帝國有關的書店逛一逛, 也順便在那裡吃伊朗的特色餐飲.//
==========================
Appendix I
Why So Many Iranian Immigrants Live in California
The Los Angeles region is home to the world’s largest Iranian community outside of Iran.
Published Oct. 6, 2022 Updated March 20, 2025
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/06/us/iranian-immigrants-california.html
[Thousands demonstrated in support of Iranian women in downtown Los Angeles last Saturday.Credit...Ringo Chiu/EPA, via Shutterstock]
|
She turned around to look at the woman talking. “She looked me up and down, and was like, ‘Mind your own business,’” Malek said, laughing. “It was just so normal for them. That’s really pretty unique to L.A.”
Appendix II
In ‘Tehrangeles,’ Iranian Americans Anxiously Watch War Unfold From Afar
[Westwood, a neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. Credit...Kendrick Brinson for The New York Times]
By Orlando Mayorquín and Jesus Jiménez
Published June 18, 2025 Updated June 19, 2025, 12:36 a.m. ET
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/us/iranian-americans-westwood-la-war.html
Mr. Valipour, a U.S. citizen, has resigned himself to the possibility that the United States could join Israel’s war against Iran. It wouldn’t be a question of allegiances for Mr. Valipour.
“It’s important to remember: Israel’s conflict is not with the people of Iran,” Ms. Nazarian said. “In fact, the people of Israel and Iran share a long and rich history of friendship dating back to the time of Cyrus the Great. The Iranian people have suffered deeply under a regime that has isolated them from the world and placed them in harm’s way.”
Orlando Mayorquín is a Times reporter covering California. He is based in Los Angeles.
Jesus Jiménez is a Times reporter covering Southern California.
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也 (III)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
老川在他自己擁有的Truth Social中, 要求德黑蘭流氓政權“UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”, 也就是伊朗不得製造與與擁有核武. [Appendix II]
他給了德黑蘭多少時間考慮? 兩個星期. 他說, 他將在兩星期內決定是否要把伊朗設在地下的核設施炸毀. (“I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.") [Appendix I]
David ChouAppendix I
Trump Puts a Deadline on His Iran Decision
June 19, 2025 2:10 PM
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/06/19/trump-puts-a-deadline-on-his-iran-decision-n2659112?utm_source=thdailypm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&bcid=25b200665927ac2952280cb426a715c918f5b2b5070a99782d55a0770e96ed8d&lctg=29636138
Speaking from the White House Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a message from President Donald Trump about his plans for Iran.
"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Leavitt said. "The President is unafraid to use strength if necessary. Iran and the entire world should know, the United States military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world, and we have capabilities that no other country on this planet possesses."
She also urged skeptics to trust the process and Trump's record.
"President Trump has incredible instincts, and President Trump kept America and the world safe in his first term as president in implementing a 'Peace Through Strength' foreign policy agenda," she said.
In the Oval Office Wednesday, Trump repeatedly warned the Iranian regime his patience has run out and chided them for refusing an earlier deal. He also said the Iranian nuclear program would end after an unconditional surrender or with force if necessary.
"We're not looking for a ceasefire. We're looking for a total and complete victory. Again, you know what the victory is: no nuclear weapon," Trump said. "I don't want to get involved either, but I've been saying for 20 years — maybe longer — that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."
"They'd [Iranian regime] use it. I believe they'd use it," he continued. "They should've made that deal. I had a great deal for them. They should've made that deal. In the end, they decided not to do it — and now they wish they did it," he continued.
American diplomats are currently in touch with the Iranian regime about next steps.
Appendix II
Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender,’ says US won’t kill Khamenei ‘for now’
US president indicates he’s leaning toward joining Israel in war, says he’s no longer in mood for further negotiations and ‘we’ have control over Iran’s skies
By Jacob Magid,
Lazar Berman
and Agencies
The Times of israel
17 June 2025, 4:02 pm
Updated at 10:27 pm
US President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that he is seeking Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and that Washington is only holding off on assassinating Islamic Republic Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “for now.”
Trump’s comments, delivered via social media, suggested a more aggressive stance toward Iran, as he weighs whether to deepen US involvement in the conflict.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” he added.
Trump, in the opening days of the conflict, rejected a plan presented by Israel to kill Khamenei, according to a US official familiar with the matter.
In a subsequent two-word post minutes later, Trump wrote, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.”
Earlier Tuesday, Trump claimed, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” apparently referencing the US-made equipment used by Israel.
“Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA,” he wrote.
Hours earlier, Trump told reporters that the US is “not looking for a ceasefire,” but rather a “real end” to the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program, and that, after two months of talks in which Iran refused to dismantle its program, he is “not in the mood to negotiate.”
“We’re looking for better than a ceasefire,” he told reporters on Air Force One during his overnight flight back to Washington. Asked what would entail, he said, “An end. A real end. Not a ceasefire. An end… Or giving up entirely. That’s okay too.”
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple,” Trump said.
“They should have done the deal. I told them, do the deal,” he said. “So I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”
The remarks from Trump, who huddled with advisers in the Situation Room later Tuesday, came as the US has repositioned warships and military aircraft in the region to respond if the conflict between Israel and Iran further escalates.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, said Trump’s position has not changed, and the forces in the Mideast and Europe are defensive.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance sought to address concerns among isolationists within the Republican Party who have expressed criticism over potential American involvement in the war, given that Trump had campaigned against the idea.
Vance on X argued that Trump has given diplomacy a chance, saying that Trump had directed his team to secure a deal that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and from enriching uranium altogether.
“I’ve seen a lot of confusion over the issue of ‘civilian nuclear power’ and ‘uranium enrichment.’ These are distinct issues. Iran could have civilian nuclear power without enrichment, but Iran rejected that. Meanwhile, they’ve enriched uranium far above the level necessary for any civilian purpose. They’ve been found in violation of their non-proliferation obligations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is hardly a right-wing organization,” Vance wrote.
“It’s one thing to want civilian nuclear energy. It’s another thing to demand sophisticated enrichment capacity. And it’s still another to cling to enrichment while simultaneously violating basic non-proliferation obligations and enriching right to the point of weapons-grade uranium,” he continued.
Trump “may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment” and “people are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of idiotic foreign policy.”
Nonetheless, Vance said he trusts Trump and is confident that the US president “is only interested in using the American military to accomplish the American people’s goals.”
Trump arrived at the White House early Tuesday at a decisive moment in his presidency. Israel has done considerable damage to Iran and believes it can now deal a permanent blow to Tehran’s nuclear program, especially if it has US help.
But increased American involvement could drive Iran to target American forces in the region, and some influential parts of Trump’s base have been vocally opposed to his support for Israel’s strikes thus far.
The White House announced Monday, while Trump was at the Group of Seven summit in the Canadian Rockies, that the president would be cutting his trip short.
“Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he wrote on social media. “I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Asked about his evacuation comments aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that “I just want people to be safe.”
He also insisted French President Emmanuel Macron was wrong to say the US was working on a ceasefire.
“We’re looking at better than a ceasefire. We’re not looking for a ceasefire,” Trump said, adding that Macron is a “nice guy but he doesn’t get it right too often.”
Trump said he wasn’t ruling out a diplomatic option, and he could send Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with the Iranians.
“It depends on what happens when I get back,” he said.
He also dismissed congressional testimony from US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who told lawmakers in March that US spy agencies did not believe Iran was building a nuclear weapon.
“I don’t care what she said,” Trump said. “I think they were very close to having it.”
Iran, which vows to destroy Israel, has always denied any ambition to develop nuclear weapons, but its enrichment levels are far beyond any civilian purpose and the IAEA says it has obstructed inspectors from visiting its nuclear sites.
Speculation mounts of coming US involvement
Since launching its attacks on Friday, Israel has targeted multiple Iranian nuclear program sites but has not been able to destroy Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment facility.
The site is buried deep underground, and to eliminate it, Israel may need the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets and then explode. But Israel does not have the munitions or the bomber needed to deliver it — the penetrator is currently delivered by the B-2 stealth bomber.
Israel’s own defenses remain largely intact in the face of Iran’s retaliatory strikes, but some of Tehran’s missiles are getting through and having a deadly impact.
The White House, soon after announcing Trump was returning to Washington, dispatched Hegseth for a prime-time Fox American appearance as speculation grows about whether Trump could be tilting toward more direct US involvement.
Hegseth told Fox News’ Jesse Watters that “of course” Trump wanted to see a deal made to curb Iran’s nuclear program.
“His position has not changed,” he said. “What you’re watching in real time is peace through strength and America first. Our job is to be strong. We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here.”
In an interview with The Atlantic on June 14, Trump specified: “Well, considering that I’m the one that developed ‘America First,’ and considering that the term wasn’t used until I came along, I think I’m the one that decides that. For those people who say they want peace — you can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon. So for all of those wonderful people who don’t want to do anything about Iran having a nuclear weapon — that’s not peace.”
|
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也 (IV)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
Washington Post
6/22/2025 about 8:00am
President Donald Trump said Saturday that U.S. warplanes carried out strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, calling the attack “successful” and saying the aircraft had departed Iranian airspace.
The strikes targeted nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Key updates
B-2 bombers flying across Pacific as Trump deliberates strikes on Iran
Appendix II
The B-2 bomber is the only Air Force aircraft that can deploy the Massive Ordnance Penetrator
How MOP bombs work
1.
GBU-57 bombs are
dropped from high
altitudes.
B-2 bomber
2.
An internal guidance
system steers the bomb
toward its target.
3.
The bomb uses kinetic
energy to penetrate
through concrete,
rock and earth.
Above ground
Up to 200 feet
4.
The bomb can
penetrate up to 200 feet
underground. A fuse then
detonates a warhead,
Note: Diagram
is conceptual,
not to scale.
Underground
target
5.
Additional bombs can
be dropped on the
same target, allowing
subsequent munitions
to penetrate deeper.
Iran’s hardened, underground nuclear sites are impervious to most conventional weapons, except perhaps the U.S.-made, 30,000-pound, deep-penetrating bomb. B-2 bombers can carry two of these bombs at a time — the GBU-57s, better known as “bunker busters” or Massive Ordnance Penetrators. The question is whether the reinforcement and heavy rock at Fordow, Iran’s most deeply buried nuclear enrichment site, can withstand the hits. The answer depends on the attackers’ mission: Is the objective to annihilate the facility entirely, or merely to seal up the shaft entrances to make getting in and out difficult?
Appendix III
Flight data and audio recordings give details of B-2 mission
6/21/2025 1:51 p.m. EDT
Between 10:09 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Central time on Friday night, eight KC-135 Stratotankers — aircraft used for in-flight refueling and heavy equipment lifting — were visible on flight tracking websites taking off from Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. They were all heading on an identical path that would put them in line to refuel aircraft taking off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, some 420 miles to the northeast.
The only bombers housed at Whiteman air base are B-2 stealth bombers flown by the Air Force’s 509th Bomb Wing and the Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing, according to official military websites. Open-source flight tracking experts online said the combination of the refueling convoy, the “Mytee” call sign, and the presence of only B-2 bombers at Whiteman indicated that the movements were associated with the B-2s.
Shortly after passing Whiteman air base, the tankers returned home, indicating they had finished their mission. Flight tracking experts said this was standard operating procedure in cases when bombers take off with heavy payloads. Such aircraft need to take off with lighter fuel loads and require immediate refueling.
Appendix IV
B-2 bombers flying across Pacific as Trump deliberates strikes on Iran
6/21/2025 1:20 p.m. EDT
[A B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber flanked by four F-35 fighters during a flyover of military aircraft down New York's Hudson River in 2020. (Mike Segar/Reuters)]
Multiple B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were making their way west over the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, according to a U.S. official familiar with the issue — a likely show of force as President Donald Trump deliberates potential strikes on a key nuclear facility in Iran.
The B-2s departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and were accompanied by numerous tanker planes, the latter of which appeared in flight tracking data. The bombers are flying to either Andersen Air Force Base in Guam or the joint U.S.-British military installation on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, said the U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Both airfields routinely host strategic bombers, such as the B-2 and B-52 Stratofortress.
The bat-wing shaped B-2 is the only U.S. aircraft able to carry the 30,000 bunker-busting bombs thought to be capable of penetrating Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear enrichment facility.
Numerous Pentagon officials referred questions about the flights to the White House, which could not immediately be reached for comment.
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也 (V)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
President Donald Trump addresses the nation after he says US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities
[In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the attack was “very successful” and all planes are now “outside of Iran air space.” President Trump is expected to address the nation Saturday night at 10 p.m.]
Thank you very much. A short time ago, the US military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime, Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. For 40 years Iran has been saying death to America, death to Israel. They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their specialty. We lost over 1000 people and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate. In particular, so many were killed by their general Qasem Soleimani. I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen. It will not continue. I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before. And we've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done, and most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades. Hopefully we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that's so. I also want to congratulate the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Rasina, spectacular general, and all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack. With all of that being said, this cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last 8 days. Remember, there are many targets left. The nights was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal, but if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There's no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight, not even close. There has never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago. Tomorrow, General Kaine, Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8:00 a.m. at the Pentagon, and I want to just thank everybody and. In particular, God, I want to just say we love you God and we love our great military protect them. God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel and God bless America. Thank you very much. Thank you.
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也 (VI)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
Appendix
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff General Dan Caine Hold a Press Conference
June 22, 2025
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PETE HEGSETH: Well, thank you for joining us this morning. Last night, on President Trump's orders, US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan, in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran's nuclear program, and as The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will demonstrate it was an incredible and overwhelming success. The order we received from our commander in chief was focused. It was powerful, and it was clear. We devastated the Iranian nuclear program. But it's worth noting the operation did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people. For the entirety of his time in office, President Trump has consistently stated, for over 10 years, that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon, full stop. Thanks to President Trump's bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran's nuclear ambitions have been obliterated.
Many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran's nuclear program, and none could, until President Trump. The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this President speaks, the world should listen and the U.S. Military, we can back it up. The most powerful military the world has ever known. No other country on planet Earth could have conducted the operation that the chairman is going to outline this morning. Not even close. Just like Soleimani found out in the first term Iran found out when POTUS says 60 days that he seeks peace and negotiation, he means 60 days of peace and negotiation otherwise that nuclear program, that nuclear capability, will not exist. He meant it. This is not the previous administration. President Trump said, no nukes. He seeks peace, and Iran should take that path. He sent out a Truth last night, saying this: any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight, signed the President of the United States, Donald J Trump. Iran would be smart to heed those words. He said it before, and he means it.
I want to give recognition to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Staff, General Eric Kurilla at CENTCOM, who did a phenomenal job. He and his staff, all of CENTCOM. Policy across the board. This was a joint effort, and across the Pentagon effort, I want to recognize the pilots who flew those bombers, who flew those fighters, who flew those refuelers. Warriors. I want to recognize the sailors on those destroyers, in those subs, on those carriers. Warriors, all of them. I want to recognize our soldiers doing air defense, base defense, QRF (quick reaction force) warriors, all of them, every American involved in this operation, performed flawlessly. And I want to give recognition to our allies in Israel as well. This is a plan that took months and weeks of positioning and preparation so that we could be ready when the President of the United States called. It took a great deal of precision. It involved misdirection and the highest of operational security. Our B-2s went in and out of downtown Tehran, not Tehran, excuse me, of these nuclear sites in and out and back without the world knowing at all. In that way, it was historic, a strike that included the longest B-2 Spirit bomber mission since 2001 and the first operational employment of the MOP, a massive ordinance penetrator. The mission demonstrated to the world the level of joint and allied integration that speak to the strength of our alliance and our joint forces. As President Trump has stated, the United States does not seek war, but let me be clear, we will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners or our interests are threatened. Iran should listen to the President of the United States and know that he means it, every word. I want to give congratulations to our commander in chief. It was an honor to watch him lead last night and throughout and to our great American warriors on this successful operation. God bless our troops. God bless America, and we give glory to God for his providence and continue to ask for his protection. I turn it over now to the chairman for specifics.
GENERAL DAN CAINE: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, thanks for recognizing all of our folks out there doing our nation's work. And nice to see everybody on this early Sunday morning. Last night, on the President's orders, US Central Command, under the command of General Eric Kurilla, executed Operation Midnight Hammer, a deliberate and precise strike against three Iranian nuclear facilities. This was a complex and high-risk mission carried out with exceptional skill and discipline by our joint force. I want to thank every service member, planner, operator, that made this mission possible. Their actions reflect the highest standards of the United States Armed Forces. This operation was designed to severely degrade Iran's nuclear weapons infrastructure. It was planned and executed across multiple domains and theaters with coordination that reflects our ability to project power globally with speed and precision at the time and place of our nation's choosing. This was a highly classified mission with very few people in Washington knowing the timing or nature of this plan. I'll refer you to the graphic on the side as I walk you through some of the operational details.
At midnight Friday into Saturday morning, a large B-2 strike package comprised of bombers launched from the continental United States. As part of a plan to maintain tactical surprise, part of the package, proceeded to the west and into the Pacific as a decoy. A deception effort known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders here in Washington and in Tampa. The main strike package comprised of seven B-2 Spirit bombers, each with two crew members, proceeded quietly to the east with minimal communications. Throughout the 18-hour flight into the target area, the aircraft completed multiple in-flight refuelings. Once over land, the B-2s linked up with escort and support aircraft in a complex, tightly timed maneuver requiring exact synchronization across multiple platforms in a narrow piece of airspace, all done with minimal communications.
This type of integration is exactly what our Joint Force does better than anyone else in the world. At approximately 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time last night, and just prior to the strike package entering Iran, a U.S. submarine in the Central Command Area of Responsibility launched more than two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles against key surface infrastructure targets at Esfahan. As the Operation Midnight Hammer strike package entered Iranian airspace, the U.S. employed several deception tactics, including decoys as the fourth and fifth generation aircraft pushed out in front of the strike package at high altitude and high speed, sweeping in front of the package for enemy fighters and surface to air missile.
The strike package was supported by U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force and U.S. European command. As the strike package approached Fordow and Natanz, the U.S. protection package employed high speed suppression weapons to ensure safe passage of the strike package with fighter assets employing preemptive suppressing fires against any potential Iranian surface to air threats.
We are currently unaware of any shots fired at the U.S. strike package on the way in. At approximately 6:40 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 2:10 a.m. Iran time, the lead B-2 dropped two GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator weapons on the first of several aim points at Fordow. As the President stated last night, the remaining bombers then hit their targets as well, with a total of 14 MOPs dropped against two nuclear target areas. All three Iranian nuclear infrastructure targets were struck between 6:40 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. Eastern time again. That's about 2:10 in the morning, local time in Iran. With the Tomahawk missiles being the last to strike at Esfahan to ensure we retain the element of surprise throughout the operation. Following weapons release, the Midnight Hammer strike, package exited Iranian airspace, and the package began its return home. We are unaware of any shots fired at the package on the way out.
Iran's fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran's surface to air missile systems did not see us. Throughout the mission, we retained the element of surprise. In total, U.S. forces employed approximately 75 precision guided weapons during this operation. This included, like the president stated last night, 14 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, marking the first ever operational use of this weapon.
I know that battle damage is of great interest. Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction. More than 125 U.S. aircraft participated in this mission, including B-2 stealth bombers, multiple flights of fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens and dozens of air refueling tankers, a guided missile submarine, and a full array of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hundreds of maintenance and operational professionals.
As the secretary said, this was the largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history, and the second longest B-2 mission ever flown, exceeded only by those in the days following 9/11. Well prior to the strike, General Kurilla elevated force protection measures across the region, especially in Iraq, Syria and the Gulf. Our forces remain on high alert and are fully postured to respond to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks, which would be an incredibly poor choice. We will defend ourselves the safety of our service members and civilians remains our highest priority.
This mission demonstrates the unmatched reach coordination and capability of the United States military. In just a matter of weeks, this went from strategic planning to global execution. This operation underscores the unmatched capabilities and global reach of the United States military. As the president clearly said last night, no other in the military, no other military in the world, could have done this. I join the president and the secretary in being incredibly proud of the air crews, naval forces, cyber operators, planners and support teams and commanders who made this mission possible. It is their skill, discipline and teamwork that makes this operation possible. I am particularly proud of our discipline related to operational security, something that was of great concern to the president, the Secretary, General, Kurilla and me, and we will continue to focus on this. As we stand here this morning, many assets are still airborne, and we have hundreds deployed. I ask that we keep our war fighters on their way home and our deployed service member in our thoughts. Our joint force remains ready to defend the United States our troops and our interests in the region. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: We'll take a few questions. Phil.
Q? So is regime change off the table, Mr. Secretary and to the chairman, you said the battle damage assessment is still ongoing, but do you believe that some nuclear capability in Iran remains?
SECRETARY HEGSETH: This mission was not and has not been about regime change. The president authorized a precision operation to neutralize the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program and the collective self-defense of our troops and our ally Israel.
GENERAL CAINE: Thanks for your question. I think BDA is still pending, and it would be way too early for me to comment on what may or may not still be there. But thanks for the question.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: Green. Green, no, behind you.
Q: Excuse me Mr. Secretary, can you tell me was there a particular moment when the president decided to pull the trigger on this operation where he said, now, president being, you know, something in the holster, now we're going to pull the trigger on.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: I would just say having the opportunity to witness his leadership, he was fully committed to the peace process. Wanted, wanted a negotiated outcome. Gave Iran every single opportunity, and unfortunately, was met by stonewalling, which is why he gave them plenty of time to continue to come to the table and give up enrichment, give up the nuclear program.
But there was a, I won't say, the particular moment. There was certainly a moment in time. A moment in time where he realized that it had to be a certain action taken in order to minimize the threat to us and our troops.
Q: General, you say that General Kurilla increased force protection in Iraq, Syria and Gulf in those areas. Were they given any advance warning the attacks were coming? And also, Mr. Secretary, when were congressional leaders notified? How long before the attacks took place?
GENERAL CAINE: Sir, to your first question. You know, the risk has clearly been rising over the last few weeks in the region, based on that and not a particular awareness of this operation, we've made smart decisions to minimize the risk to U.S. forces in the region.
Q: So there was no advance warning?
GENERAL CAINE: No sir
Q: Inaudible
SECRETARY HEGSETH: They (Congress) they were notified after the planes were safely out. What we complied with the notification requirements of the War Powers Act.
Q; They were notified.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: They were immediately thereafter. Yes.
Q: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, two questions, do you believe you completely destroyed Iranian nuclear program (sic)? And how about Iranian ballistic missiles? Your ally Israel always saying that is biggest threat (sic). And second question is very important, what will be your next step if Iran or militias under Iranian influence in the region attack us interests or allies in the region?
SECRETARY HEGSETH: And you can chime in on this too, Mr. Chairman, the battle damage assessment is ongoing. But our initial assessment, as the Chairman said, is that all of our precision munitions struck where we wanted them to strike and had the desired effect, which means especially in Fordow, which was the primary target here. We believe we achieved destruction of capabilities there. Ultimately, wherever it may be, whether it's in Iraq or Syria or bases in the Gulf, as the president said it would be, or excuse me, as the Chairman said it would be a very bad idea for Iran or its proxies to attempt to Attack American forces.
Q: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Secretary regarding retaliation, Iran and North Korea are cooperating on nuclear and missile development. Do you think there is a possibility that Iran, North Korea and other forces such as China will join forces to retaliate against the United States.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, unfortunately, because of the policies under the previous administration, we drove those countries together, and ultimately that creates a challenging environment. For this particular operation, the focus is on Iran and Iranian nuclear capabilities. That's our focus here is to not just say that they can't have, but President Trump has said, from over 20 years frankly, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and ultimately he decided this is the moment, given their stonewalling, when direct military action had to be taken to prevent that from happening.
Yes.
Q: Thank you very much. General Cain, I understand OpSec, I respect OpSec. Can you say at all what security procedures are being taken to protect U.S. troops in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. And Secretary Hegseth, as a global war on terrorism veteran, what do you say to veterans who may be concerned the U.S. is getting into another open-ended war in the Middle East over weapons of mass destruction?
GENERAL CAINE: Thanks, sir for the question. I won't comment on what force protection measures are being taken in the region. What I will say is we're being proactive and not reactive and being very thoughtful about ensuring that we do all that we can to protect our forces out there.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: And I would just say, as the president has directed and made clear, this is most certainly not open ended. It doesn't mean it limits our ability to respond. We will respond if necessary. The most powerful military in the world is postured and prepared to defend our people. But what the president gave us, as I said, was a focused, powerful and clear mission on the destruction of Iranian nuclear capabilities. Those were the targets. That's what was struck. That was overwhelming. That's what was overwhelming. That's what the Iranian regime needs to understand. As the president put it out, put out last night, he wants peace. There needs to be a negotiated settlement here. We ultimately demonstrated that Iran cannot have a nuclear capability. That is a very clear mission set on this operation.
Yes. Hold on, yes, right there.
Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Question for the secretary and the chairman. How is this strike coordinated with the Israelis on a strategic level, militarily and on a tactical level? Was there any direct Israeli military participation in this operation?
SECRETARY HEGSETH: Well, I would say certainly Israel had an incredible military success, especially at the beginning and ongoing, in degrading Iranian capabilities, degrading Iranian launchers, MRBMs (medium-range ballistic missiles), it's been incredible to watch what our ally Israel has been able to do. And there certainly have been conversations. I mean, General Kurilla at CENTCOM has worked closely in the defense of Israel for many years, and part of this operation was the defense of Israel and the ongoing defense of Israel. But as it pertains to this strike, this was U.S. operated, and U.S. led.
GENERAL CAINE: We took advantage of some of the preparatory work that's been done over the past week and a half in terms of axis of approach. I won't get into the particulars, but as the secretary said, it was a U.S. strike. We made sure we were not in the same piece of airspace and sky. Aside from that, that was the extent of it.
SECRETARY HEGSETH: We'll take a couple more. Yeah, right there.
Q: Question Mr. Secretary. First, are you concerned whatsoever now about the reaction from U.S. allies given the strike, particularly those in the Gulf and to the chairman, if I may, I understand you don't want to speak to specific assets, force protection measures, but do you anticipate at least having to bring in any further assets from other feeders to aid and force protection over the coming days?
SECRETARY HEGSETH: We certainly understand the challenges of allies in the region, and we have been respectful and in working in collaboration with them as it pertains to basing and sensitivities there. Ultimately, they've got a lot of assets and people in those locations also where American troops are co-located. So that's a consideration of ours. We've been in close consultation with them, and we appreciate the support that we have gotten.
GENERAL CAINE: Thanks for the question on sort of the global picture, and as you know, that's one of my jobs, is to look globally at the entire range of challenges. We are always carefully considering our force posture around the world and then offering options to the secretary and to the president. I won't comment on any future things, but the American people should know that we carefully consider those moves around the world and try to modulate, as needed, our force structure in the region.
Thank you. What communications are being sent to the Iranians right now? And is there any possibility of diplomacy now or in the coming days?
SECRETARY HEGSETH: I can, I can only confirm that there are both public and private messages being directly delivered to the Iranians in multiple channels giving them every opportunity to come to the table. They understand precisely what the American position is, precisely what steps they can take to allow for peace, and we hope they do so.
Q: The President may not want an open-ended conflict. The Iranians may disagree. Are you prepared for a protracted war?
SECRETARY HEGSETH Well, anything can happen in conflict, we acknowledge that, but the scope of this was intentionally limited. That's the message that we're sending with the capabilities of the American military nearly unlimited. So Iran, in that sense, has a choice, but we've made it very clear to them, this is nuclear sites. This is nuclear capabilities. This is the line that the president set, and we set that back. Now is the time to come forward for peace, but we…I think one of the takeaways from this as well is the unprecedented level of ongoing cooperation. I can't speak highly enough of the chairman and his staff and General Kurilla in CENTCOM, what they've done to look around the corner to pre-position, to understand how an operation like this comes together. The scope and scale of what occurred last night would take the breath away of almost any American if you had an opportunity to watch it in real time.
And I think Tehran is certainly calculating the reality that planes flew from the middle of America and Missouri overnight, completely undetected over three of their most highly sensitive sites, and we were able to destroy nuclear capabilities. And our boys in those bombers are on their way home right now. We believe that will have a clear psychological impact on how they view the future, and we certainly hope they take the path of negotiated peace.
But I could not be more proud of how this building operated, of the precision, the sensitivity and the professionalism of the troops involved in this effort.
I will take one more we'll take one more question. Yes, right there.
Q: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, concerning the justification for these strikes, in March, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released their threat assessment concluded, quote, Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, and Khomeini has not authorized the nuclear programs he suspended in 2003 unquote. So what new intelligence does the US have since then that the Iranians have changed their position on nuclear weapons, and does this new intelligence come from U.S. sources and methods, or are we getting this information from other countries?
SECRETARY HEGSETH : Well, I would just simply say that the President's made it very clear he's looked at all of this, all of the intelligence, all the information, and come to the conclusion that the Iranian nuclear program is a threat, and was willing to take this precision operation to neutralize that threat in order to advance American national interests, reduce the Iranian nuclear program and obviously collective self-defense of ourself and our allies. So he looked at all of it, understood the nature of the threat, and took bold action I think the American people would expect in a commander in chief.
That's all we've got. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
This is the Bay Area Taiwanese American E-Mail Group. Our main objective is to provide open communication channel for the Taiwanese American community, let the Taiwan Spirit grow and pass down to the future.
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david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也 (VII)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
Statement on the Development of the 2025 National
Defense Strategy
May 2, 2025 |
Statement by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor Sean Parnell:
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to begin the development of the 2025 National Defense Strategy (NDS).
The NDS serves as the strategic roadmap for the Department of Defense. As such, it will provide clear direction for the Department to implement President Trump's America First and Peace Through Strength agenda. Consistent with the President's intent, the NDS will prioritize defense of the U.S. homeland, including America's skies and borders, and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, the NDS will prioritize increasing burden-sharing with allies and partners around the world, in the process strengthening those relationships and setting conditions for lasting peace.
2024 GOP PLATFORM
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN
6. Combat Antisemitism
Republicans condemn antisemitism, and support revoking Visas of Foreign Nationals who support terrorism and jihadism. We will hold accountable those who perpetrate violence against Jewish people.
3. Strengthen Alliances
Republicans will strengthen Alliances by ensuring that our Allies must meet their obligations to invest in our Common Defense and by restoring Peace to Europe. We will stand with Israel, ----. Likewise, we will champion Strong, Sovereign, and Independent Nations in the Indo-Pacific, thriving in Peace and Commerce with others.
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[您可以不必讀底下這個完整版]
2024 GOP PLATFORM
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/2024-republican-party-platform
Dedication:
To the Forgotten Men and Women of America
PREAMBLE
America First:
A Return to Common Sense
Our Nation's History is filled with the stories of brave men and women who gave everything they had to build America into the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. Generations of American Patriots have summoned the American Spirit of Strength, Determination, and Love of Country to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The American People have proven time and again that we can overcome any obstacle and any force pitted against us.
In the early days of our Republic, the Founding Generation defeated what was then the most powerful Empire the World had ever seen. In the 20th Century, America vanquished Nazism and Fascism, and then triumphed over Soviet Communism after forty-four years of the Cold War.
But now we are a Nation in SERIOUS DECLINE. Our future, our identity, and our very way of life are under threat like never before. Today we must once again call upon the same American Spirit that led us to prevail through every challenge of the past if we are going to lead our Nation to a brighter future.
For decades, our politicians sold our jobs and livelihoods to the highest bidders overseas with unfair Trade Deals and a blind faith in the siren song of globalism. They insulated themselves from criticism and the consequences of their own bad actions, allowing our Borders to be overrun, our cities to be overtaken by crime, our System of Justice to be weaponized, and our young people to develop a sense of hopelessness and despair. They rejected our History and our Values. Quite simply, they did everything in their power to destroy our Country.
In 2016, President Donald J. Trump was elected as an unapologetic Champion of the American People. He reignited the American Spirit and called on us to renew our National Pride. His Policies spurred Historic Economic Growth, Job Creation, and a Resurgence of American Manufacturing. President Trump and the Republican Party led America out of the pessimism induced by decades of failed leadership, showing us that the American People want Greatness for our Country again.
Yet after nearly four years of the Biden administration, America is now rocked by Raging Inflation, Open Borders, Rampant Crime, Attacks on our Children, and Global Conflict, Chaos, and Instability.
Like the Heroes who built and defended this Nation before us, we will never give up. We will restore our Nation of, by, and for the People. We will Make America Great Again.
We will be a Nation based on Truth, Justice, and Common Sense.
Common Sense tells us clearly, in President Trump's words, that "If we don't have a Border, we don't have a Country." Restoring sensible Border Security and Immigration Policy requires many steps, all of which would have been and indeed were taken for granted by prior Generations as obviously necessary and good. We must secure our Southern Border by completing the Border Wall that President Trump started. Hundreds of miles have already been built and work magnificently. The remaining Wall construction can be completed quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. We must also vigilantly check those who enter our Country by other routes and ensure that no one can enter our Country who does not have the Legal Right to do so, and we must deport the millions of illegal Migrants who Joe Biden has deliberately encouraged to invade our Country. We will start by prioritizing the most dangerous criminals and working with local Police. We must not allow Biden's Migrant Invasion to alter our Country. It must not stand. Under the Trump Administration and a Republican Congress, it will be defeated immediately.
Common Sense tells us clearly that if we don't have Domestic Manufacturing with low Inflation, not only will our Economy—and even our Military Equipment and Supplies—be at the mercy of Foreign Nations, but our Towns, Communities, and People cannot thrive. The Republican Party must return to its roots as the Party of Industry, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Workers. President Trump's economic policy to end Inflation and return Manufacturing Jobs is not only what the American Economy and American Workers need right now, it is also what they want right now.
Common Sense tells us clearly that we must unleash American Energy if we want to destroy Inflation and rapidly bring down prices, build the Greatest Economy in History, revive our Defense Industrial Base, fuel Emerging Industries, and establish the United States as the Manufacturing Superpower of the World. We will DRILL, BABY, DRILL and we will become Energy Independent, and even Dominant again. The United States has more liquid gold under our feet than any other Nation, and it's not even close. The Republican Party will harness that potential to power our future.
Common Sense tells us clearly that if we don't have a Strong Military, we won't be able to defend our interests and we will be at the mercy of Hostile Nations. The Policy of the Republican Party must be to ensure that America's Military is the strongest and best-equipped in the World—and that our Government uses that great strength sparingly, and only in clear instances where our National Interests are threatened.
Common Sense tells us clearly that the Republican Party must stand for Equal Treatment for All. Likewise, the Republican Party must ensure the equal application of law to all regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs. Recent Democrat-led political persecutions threaten to destroy 250 years of American Principle and Practice and must be stopped.
America needs determined Republican Leadership at every level of Government to address the core threats to our very survival: Our disastrously Open Border, our weakened Economy, crippling restrictions on American Energy Production, our depleted Military, attacks on the American System of Justice, and much more.
To make clear our commitment, we offer to the American people the 2024 GOP Platform to Make America Great Again! It is a forward-looking Agenda that begins with the following twenty promises that we will accomplish very quickly when we win the White House and Republican Majorities in the House and Senate.
1. SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION
2. CARRY OUT THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OPERATION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
3. END INFLATION, AND MAKE AMERICA AFFORDABLE AGAIN
4. MAKE AMERICA THE DOMINANT ENERGY PRODUCER IN THE WORLD, BY FAR!
5. STOP OUTSOURCING, AND TURN THE UNITED STATES INTO A MANUFACTURING SUPERPOWER
6. LARGE TAX CUTS FOR WORKERS, AND NO TAX ON TIPS!
7. DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION, OUR BILL OF RIGHTS, AND OUR FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, INCLUDING FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF RELIGION, AND THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS
8. PREVENT WORLD WAR THREE, RESTORE PEACE IN EUROPE AND IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AND BUILD A GREAT IRON DOME MISSILE DEFENSE SHIELD OVER OUR ENTIRE COUNTRY -- ALL MADE IN AMERICA
9. END THE WEAPONIZATION OF GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
10. STOP THE MIGRANT CRIME EPIDEMIC, DEMOLISH THE FOREIGN DRUG CARTELS, CRUSH GANG VIOLENCE, AND LOCK UP VIOLENT OFFENDERS
11. REBUILD OUR CITIES, INCLUDING WASHINGTON DC, MAKING THEM SAFE, CLEAN, AND BEAUTIFUL AGAIN.
12. STRENGTHEN AND MODERNIZE OUR MILITARY, MAKING IT, WITHOUT QUESTION, THE STRONGEST AND MOST POWERFUL IN THE WORLD
13. KEEP THE U.S. DOLLAR AS THE WORLD'S RESERVE CURRENCY
14. FIGHT FOR AND PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE WITH NO CUTS, INCLUDING NO CHANGES TO THE RETIREMENT AGE
15. CANCEL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANDATE AND CUT COSTLY AND BURDENSOME REGULATIONS
16. CUT FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ANY SCHOOL PUSHING CRITICAL RACE THEORY, RADICAL GENDER IDEOLOGY, AND OTHER INAPPROPRIATE RACIAL, SEXUAL, OR POLITICAL CONTENT ON OUR CHILDREN
17. KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN'S SPORTS
18. DEPORT PRO-HAMAS RADICALS AND MAKE OUR COLLEGE CAMPUSES SAFE AND PATRIOTIC AGAIN
19. SECURE OUR ELECTIONS, INCLUDING SAME DAY VOTING, VOTER IDENTIFICATION, PAPER BALLOTS, AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
20. UNITE OUR COUNTRY BY BRINGING IT TO NEW AND RECORD LEVELS OF SUCCESS
*****
When America is united, confident, and committed to our principles, it will never fail.
Today and together, with Love for our Country, Faith in our People, and Trust in God's Good Grace, we will Make America Great Again!
Table of Contents
1. DEFEAT INFLATION, AND QUICKLY BRING DOWN ALL PRICES.
2. SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION.
3. BUILD THE GREATEST ECONOMY IN HISTORY.
4. BRING BACK THE AMERICAN DREAM AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE AGAIN FOR FAMILIES, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND EVERYONE.
5. PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS AND FARMERS FROM UNFAIR TRADE.
6. PROTECT SENIORS.
7. CULTIVATE GREAT K-12 SCHOOLS LEADING TO GREAT JOBS AND GREAT LIVES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
8. BRING COMMON SENSE TO OUR GOVERNMENT AND RENEW THE PILLARS OF AMERICAN CIVILIZATION
9. GOVERNMENT OF, BY, AND FOR THE PEOPLE.
10. RETURN TO PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.
CHAPTER ONE: DEFEAT INFLATION AND QUICKLY BRING DOWN ALL PRICES
Our Commitment:
The Republican Party will reverse the worst Inflation crisis in four decades that has crushed the middle class, devastated family budgets, and pushed the dream of homeownership out of reach for millions. We will defeat Inflation, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve fiscal sanity, restore price stability, and quickly bring down prices.
Inflation is a crushing tax on American families. History shows that Inflation will not magically disappear while policies remain the same. We commit to unleashing American Energy, reining in wasteful spending, cutting excessive Regulations, securing our Borders, and restoring Peace through Strength. Together, we will restore Prosperity, ensure Economic Security, and build a brighter future for American Workers and their families. Our dedication to these Policies will make America stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous than ever before.
1. Unleash American Energy
Under President Trump, the U.S. became the Number One Producer of Oil and Natural Gas in the World — and we will soon be again by lifting restrictions on American Energy Production and terminating the Socialist Green New Deal. Republicans will unleash Energy Production from all sources, including nuclear, to immediately slash Inflation and power American homes, cars, and factories with reliable, abundant, and affordable Energy.
2. Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending
Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.
3. Cut Costly and Burdensome Regulations
Republicans will reinstate President Trump's Deregulation Policies, which saved Americans $11,000 per household, and end Democrats' regulatory onslaught that disproportionately harms low- and middle-income households.
4. Stop Illegal Immigration
Republicans will secure the Border, deport Illegal Aliens, and reverse the Democrats' Open Borders Policies that have driven up the cost of Housing, Education, and Healthcare for American families.
5. Restore Peace through Strength
War breeds Inflation while geopolitical stability brings price stability. Republicans will end the global chaos and restore Peace through Strength, reducing geopolitical risks and lowering commodity prices.
CHAPTER TWO: SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION
Our Commitment:
Republicans offer an aggressive plan to stop the open-border policies that have opened the floodgates to a tidal wave of illegal Aliens, deadly drugs, and Migrant Crime. We will end the Invasion at the Southern Border, restore Law and Order, protect American Sovereignty, and deliver a Safe and Prosperous Future for all Americans.
1. Secure the Border
Republicans will restore every Border Policy of the Trump administration and halt all releases of Illegal Aliens into the interior. We will complete the Border Wall, shift massive portions of Federal Law Enforcement to Immigration Enforcement, and use advanced technology to monitor and secure the Border. We will use all resources needed to stop the Invasion—including moving thousands of Troops currently stationed overseas to our own Southern Border. We will deploy the U.S. Navy to impose a full Fentanyl Blockade on the waters of our Region—boarding and inspecting ships to look for fentanyl and fentanyl precursors. Before we defend the Borders of Foreign Countries, we must first secure the Border of our Country.
2. Enforce Immigration Laws
Republicans will strengthen ICE, increase penalties for illegal entry and overstaying Visas, and reinstate "Remain in Mexico" and other Policies that helped reduce Illegal Immigration by historic lows in President Trump's first term. We will also invoke the Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members from the United States, ending the scourge of Illegal Alien gang violence once and for all. We will bring back the Travel Ban, and use Title 42 to end the child trafficking crisis by returning all trafficked children to their families in their Home Countries immediately.
3. Begin Largest Deportation Program in American History
President Trump and Republicans will reverse the Democrats' destructive Open Borders Policies that have allowed criminal gangs and Illegal Aliens from around the World to roam the United States without consequences. The Republican Party is committed to sending Illegal Aliens back home and removing those who have violated our Laws.
4. Strict Vetting
Republicans will use existing Federal Law to keep foreign Christian-hating Communists, Marxists, and Socialists out of America. Those who join our Country must love our Country. We will use extreme vetting to ensure that jihadists and jihadist sympathizers are not admitted.
5. Stop Sanctuary Cities
Republicans will cut federal Funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that release dangerous Illegal Alien criminals onto our streets, rather than handing them over to ICE. We will require local cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement.
6. Ensure Our Legal Immigration System Puts American Workers First
Republicans will prioritize Merit-based immigration, ensuring those admitted to our Country contribute positively to our Society and Economy, and never become a drain on Public Resources. We will end Chain Migration, and put American Workers first!
CHAPTER THREE: BUILD THE GREATEST ECONOMY IN HISTORY
Our Commitment:
American Workers are the most productive, talented, and innovative on Earth. The only thing holding them back is the suffocating policies of the Democrat Party. Our America First Economic Agenda rests on five pillars: Slashing Regulations, cutting Taxes, securing Fair Trade Deals, ensuring Reliable and Abundant Low Cost Energy, and championing Innovation. Together, we will restore Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for all Americans.
1. Cut Regulations
Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.
2. Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent and No Tax on Tips
Republicans will make permanent the provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that doubled the standard deduction, expanded the Child Tax Credit, and spurred Economic Growth for all Americans. We will eliminate Taxes on Tips for millions of Restaurant and Hospitality Workers, and pursue additional Tax Cuts.
3. Fair and Reciprocal Trade Deals
Republicans will continue forging an America First Trade Policy as set forth in Chapter 5, standing up to Countries that cheat and prioritizing American Producers over Foreign Outsourcers. We will bring our critical Supply Chains back home. President Trump turned American Trade Policy around, protecting U.S. Producers, and renegotiating failed agreements.
4. Reliable and Abundant Low Cost Energy
Republicans will increase Energy Production across the board, streamline permitting, and end market-distorting restrictions on Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal. The Republican Party will once again make America Energy Independent, and then Energy Dominant, lowering Energy prices even below the record lows achieved during President Trump's first term.
5. Champion Innovation
Republicans will pave the way for future Economic Greatness by leading the World in Emerging Industries.
Crypto
Republicans will end Democrats' unlawful and unAmerican Crypto crackdown and oppose the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency. We will defend the right to mine Bitcoin, and ensure every American has the right to self-custody of their Digital Assets, and transact free from Government Surveillance and Control.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We will repeal Joe Biden's dangerous Executive Order that hinders AI Innovation, and imposes Radical Leftwing ideas on the development of this technology. In its place, Republicans support AI Development rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.
Expanding Freedom, Prosperity and Safety in Space
Under Republican Leadership, the United States will create a robust Manufacturing Industry in Near Earth Orbit, send American Astronauts back to the Moon, and onward to Mars, and enhance partnerships with the rapidly expanding Commercial Space sector to revolutionize our ability to access, live in, and develop assets in Space.
CHAPTER FOUR: BRING BACK THE AMERICAN DREAM AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE AGAIN FOR FAMILIES, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND EVERYONE
Our Commitment:
Republicans offer a plan to make the American Dream affordable again. We commit to reducing Housing, Education, and Healthcare costs, while lowering everyday expenses, and increasing opportunities.
1. Housing Affordability
To help new home buyers, Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing Inflation, open limited portions of Federal Lands to allow for new home construction, promote homeownership through Tax Incentives and support for first-time buyers, and cut unnecessary Regulations that raise housing costs.
2. Accessible Higher Education
To reduce the cost of Higher Education, Republicans will support the creation of additional, drastically more affordable alternatives to a traditional four-year College degree.
3. Affordable Healthcare
Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options. We will protect Medicare, and ensure Seniors receive the care they need without being burdened by excessive costs.
4. Lower Everyday Costs
Republicans will reduce the Regulatory burden, lower Energy costs, and promote Economic Policies that drive down the cost of living and prices for everyday goods and services.
CHAPTER FIVE: PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS AND FARMERS FROM UNFAIR TRADE
Our Commitment:
The Republican Party stands for a patriotic "America First" Economic Policy. Republicans offer a robust plan to protect American Workers, Farmers, and Industries from unfair Foreign Competition. We commit to rebalancing Trade, securing Strategic Independence, and revitalizing Manufacturing. We will prioritize Domestic Production, and ensure National Independence in essential goods and services. Together, we will build a Strong, Self-reliant, and Prosperous America.
1. Rebalance Trade
Our Trade deficit in goods has grown to over $1 Trillion Dollars a year. Republicans will support baseline Tariffs on Foreign-made goods, pass the Trump Reciprocal Trade Act, and respond to unfair Trading practices. As Tariffs on Foreign Producers go up, Taxes on American Workers, Families, and Businesses can come down.
2. Secure Strategic Independence from China
Republicans will revoke China's Most Favored Nation status, phase out imports of essential goods, and stop China from buying American Real Estate and Industries.
3. Save the American Auto Industry
Republicans will revive the U.S. Auto Industry by reversing harmful Regulations, canceling Biden's Electric Vehicle and other Mandates, and preventing the importation of Chinese vehicles.
4. Bring Home Critical Supply Chains
Republicans will bring critical Supply Chains back to the U.S., ensuring National Security and Economic Stability, while also creating Jobs and raising Wages for American Workers.
5. Buy American and Hire American
Republicans will strengthen Buy American and Hire American Policies, banning companies that outsource jobs from doing business with the Federal Government.
6. Become the Manufacturing Superpower
By protecting American Workers from unfair Foreign Competition and unleashing American Energy, Republicans will restore American Manufacturing, creating Jobs, Wealth, and Investment.
CHAPTER SIX: PROTECT SENIORS
Our Commitment:
President Trump has made absolutely clear that he will not cut one penny from Medicare or Social Security. American Citizens work hard their whole lives, contributing to Social Security and Medicare. These programs are promises to our Seniors, ensuring they can live their golden years with dignity. Republicans will protect these vital programs and ensure Economic Stability. We will work with our Great Seniors, in order to allow them to be active and healthy. We commit to safeguarding the future for our Seniors and all American families.
1. Protect Social Security
Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Retirees, yet corrupt politicians have robbed Social Security to fund their pet projects. Republicans will restore Economic Stability to ensure the long-term sustainability of Social Security.
2. Strengthen Medicare
Republicans will protect Medicare's finances from being financially crushed by the Democrat plan to add tens of millions of new illegal immigrants to the rolls of Medicare. We vow to strengthen Medicare for future generations.
3. Support Active and Healthy Living
Republicans will support increased focus on Chronic Disease prevention and management, Long-Term Care, and Benefit flexibility. We will expand access to Primary Care and support Policies that help Seniors remain in their homes and maintain Financial Security.
4. Protect Care at Home for the Elderly
Republicans will shift resources back to at-home Senior Care, overturn disincentives that lead to Care Worker shortages, and support unpaid Family Caregivers through Tax Credits and reduced red tape.
5. Protect Economic Foundations for Supporting Seniors
Republicans will tackle Inflation, unleash American Energy, restore Economic Growth, and secure our Borders to preserve Social Security and Medicare funding for the next Generation and beyond. We will ensure these programs remain solvent long into the future by reversing harmful Democrat policies and unleashing a new Economic Boom.
CHAPTER SEVEN: CULTIVATE GREAT K-12 SCHOOLS LEADING TO GREAT JOBS AND GREAT LIVES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Our Commitment:
Republicans offer a plan to cultivate great K-12 schools, ensure safe learning environments free from political meddling, and restore Parental Rights. We commit to an Education System that empowers students, supports families, and promotes American Values. Our Education System must prepare students for successful lives and well-paying jobs.
1. Great Principals and Great Teachers
Republicans will support schools that focus on Excellence and Parental Rights. We will support ending Teacher Tenure, adopting Merit pay, and allowing various publicly supported Educational models.
2. Universal School Choice
Republicans believe families should be empowered to choose the best Education for their children. We support Universal School Choice in every State in America. We will expand 529 Education Savings Accounts and support Homeschooling Families equally.
3. Prepare Students for Jobs and Careers
Republicans will emphasize Education to prepare students for great jobs and careers, supporting project-based learning and schools that offer meaningful work experience. We will expose politicized education models and fund proven career training programs.
4. Safe, Secure, and Drug-Free Schools
Republicans will support overhauling standards on school discipline, advocate for immediate suspension of violent students, and support hardening schools to help keep violence away from our places of learning.
5. Restore Parental Rights
Republicans will restore Parental Rights in Education, and enforce our Civil Rights Laws to stop schools from discriminating on the basis of Race. We trust Parents!
6. Knowledge and Skills, Not CRT and Gender Indoctrination
Republicans will ensure children are taught fundamentals like Reading, History, Science, and Math, not Leftwing propaganda. We will defund schools that engage in inappropriate political indoctrination of our children using Federal Taxpayer Dollars.
7. Promote Love of Country with Authentic Civics Education
Republicans will reinstate the 1776 Commission, promote Fair and Patriotic Civics Education, and veto efforts to nationalize Civics Education. We will support schools that teach America's Founding Principles and Western Civilization.
8. Freedom to Pray
Republicans will champion the First Amendment Right to Pray and Read the Bible in school, and stand up to those who violate the Religious Freedoms of American students.
9. Return Education to the States
The United States spends more money per pupil on Education than any other Country in the World, and yet we are at the bottom of every educational list in terms of results. We are going to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and send it back to the States, where it belongs, and let the States run our educational system as it should be run. Our Great Teachers, who are so important to the future wellbeing of our Country, will be cherished and protected by the Republican Party so that they can do the job of educating our students that they so dearly want to do. It is our goal to bring Education in the United States to the highest level, one that it has never attained before!
CHAPTER EIGHT: BRING COMMON SENSE TO GOVERNMENT AND RENEW THE PILLARS OF AMERICAN CIVILIZATION
Our Commitment:
Republicans offer a plan to renew American Civilization with Common Sense Policies that supports families, restores Law and Order, cares for Veterans, promotes beauty, and honors American History. We commit to strengthening the Foundations of our Society for a brighter future.
1. Empower American Families
Republicans will promote a Culture that values the Sanctity of Marriage, the blessings of childhood, the foundational role of families, and supports working parents. We will end policies that punish families.
2. Rebuild Our Cities and Restore Law and Order
Republicans will restore safety in our neighborhoods by replenishing Police Departments, restoring Common Sense Policing, and protecting Officers from frivolous lawsuits. We will stand up to Marxist Prosecutors, vigorously defend the Right of every American to live in peace, and we will compassionately address homelessness to restore order to our streets.
3. Make Washington D.C. the Safest and Most Beautiful Capital City
Republicans will reassert greater Federal Control over Washington, DC to restore Law and Order in our Capital City, and ensure Federal Buildings and Monuments are well-maintained.
4. Take Care of Our Veterans
Republicans will end luxury housing and Taxpayer benefits for Illegal Immigrants and use those savings to shelter and treat homeless Veterans. We will restore Trump Administration reforms to expand Veterans' Healthcare Choices, protect Whistleblowers, and hold accountable poorly performing employees not giving our Veterans the care they deserve.
5. Make Colleges and Universities Sane and Affordable
Republicans will fire Radical Left accreditors, drive down Tuition costs, restore Due Process protections, and pursue Civil Rights cases against Schools that discriminate.
6. Combat Antisemitism
Republicans condemn antisemitism, and support revoking Visas of Foreign Nationals who support terrorism and jihadism. We will hold accountable those who perpetrate violence against Jewish people.
7. Overcome the Crisis in Liberal Arts Education
Republicans support the restoration of Classic Liberal Arts Education.
8. Restore American Beauty
Republicans will promote beauty in Public Architecture and preserve our Natural Treasures. We will build cherished symbols of our Nation, and restore genuine Conservation efforts.
9. Honor American History
Republicans celebrate our Great American Heroes and are proud that the Story of America makes everyone free. We will organize a National Celebration to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America.
CHAPTER NINE: GOVERNMENT OF, BY, AND FOR THE PEOPLE
Our Commitment:
Republicans will offer a clear, precise, and USA oriented plan to stop the Radical Left Democrats' Weaponization of Government and its Assault on American Liberty. We will restore Government of, by, and for the People, ensuring Accountability, protecting Individual Liberties, and fixing our once very corrupt Elections. We commit to upholding the Constitution of the United States, appointing judges who respect the rule of law, and defending the Rights of all Americans to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. We will maintain the Supreme Court as it was always meant to be, at 9 Justices. We will not allow the Democrat Party to increase this number, as they would like to do, by 4, 6, 8, 10, and even 12 Justices. We will block them at every turn.
1. Republicans Will Stop Woke and Weaponized Government
We will hold accountable those who have misused the power of Government to unjustly prosecute their Political Opponents. We will declassify Government records, root out wrongdoers, and fire corrupt employees.
2. Republicans Will Dismantle Censorship & Protect Free Speech
We will ban the Federal Government from colluding with anyone to censor Lawful Speech, defund institutions engaged in censorship, and hold accountable all bureaucrats involved with illegal censoring. We will protect Free Speech online.
3. Republicans Will Defend Religious Liberty
We are the defenders of the First Amendment Right to Religious Liberty. It protects the Right not only to Worship according to the dictates of Conscience, but also to act in accordance with those Beliefs, not just in places of Worship, but in everyday life. Our ranks include men and women from every Faith and Tradition, and we respect the Right of every American to follow his or her deeply held Beliefs. To protect Religious Liberty, Republicans support a new Federal Task Force on Fighting Anti-Christian Bias that will investigate all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and persecution against Christians in America.
4. Republicans Will Protect and Defend a Vote of the People, from within the States, on the Issue of Life
We proudly stand for families and Life. We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied Life or Liberty without Due Process, and that the States are, therefore, free to pass Laws protecting those Rights. After 51 years, because of us, that power has been given to the States and to a vote of the People. We will oppose Late Term Abortion, while supporting mothers and policies that advance Prenatal Care, access to Birth Control, and IVF (fertility treatments).
5. Republicans Will End Left-wing Gender Insanity
We will keep men out of women's sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden's radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls.
6. Republicans Will Ensure Election Integrity
We will implement measures to secure our Elections, including Voter ID, highly sophisticated paper ballots, proof of Citizenship, and same day Voting. We will not allow the Democrats to give Voting Rights to illegal Aliens.
7. Republicans Will Protect Americans in the Territories.
The territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are of vital importance to our National Security, and we welcome their greater participation in all aspects of the political process.
CHAPTER TEN: RETURN TO PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH
Our Commitment:
Keeping the American People safe requires a strong America. The Biden administration's weak Foreign Policy has made us less safe and a laughingstock all over the World. The Republican Plan is to return Peace through Strength, rebuilding our Military and Alliances, countering China, defeating terrorism, building an Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield, promoting American Values, securing our Homeland and Borders, and reviving our Defense Industrial Base. We will build a Military bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Our full commitment is to protecting America and ensuring a safe and prosperous future for all.
1. The National Interest
Republicans will promote a Foreign Policy centered on the most essential American Interests, starting with protecting the American Homeland, our People, our Borders, our Great American Flag, and our Rights under God.
2. Modernize the Military
Republicans will ensure our Military is the most modern, lethal and powerful Force in the World. We will invest in cutting-edge research and advanced technologies, including an Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield, support our Troops with higher pay, and get woke Leftwing Democrats fired as soon as possible.
3. Strengthen Alliances
Republicans will strengthen Alliances by ensuring that our Allies must meet their obligations to invest in our Common Defense and by restoring Peace to Europe. We will stand with Israel, and seek peace in the Middle East. We will rebuild our Alliance Network in the Region to ensure a future of Peace, Stability, and Prosperity. Likewise, we will champion Strong, Sovereign, and Independent Nations in the Indo-Pacific, thriving in Peace and Commerce with others.
4. Strengthen Economic, Military, and Diplomatic Capabilities
Republicans will strengthen Economic, Military, and Diplomatic capabilities to protect the American way of life from the malign influences of Countries that stand against us around the World.
5. Defend America's Borders
Against all odds, President Trump has completed Hundreds of Miles of Wall, and he will quickly finish the job. Republicans will mobilize Military personnel and assets as necessary to crack down hard on the cartels that traffic drugs and people into our Country.
6. Revive our Industrial Base
Our Industrial Base is critical to ensuring good jobs for our people but also the reliable production of vital Defense platforms and supplies. Our Policy must be to revive our Industrial Base, with priority on Defense-critical industries. Equipment and parts critical to American Security must be MADE IN THE USA.
7. Protect Critical Infrastructure
Republicans will use all tools of National Power to protect our Nation's Critical Infrastructure and Industrial Base from malicious cyber actors. This will be a National Priority, and we will both raise the Security Standards for our Critical Systems and Networks and defend them against bad actors.
APP Note: This platform was approved and made public by the platform committee on July 8, 2024 and formally adopted at the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024.
david chou
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也(VI)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
Iranian Americans in L.A. find hope in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran
|
Reporting from Los Angeles
[Demonstrators in Los Angeles on Saturday wave flags and march in celebration of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.Credit...Caroline Brehman/Associated Press]
As the night wore on, a few messages became hundreds. By daybreak, they had become a blizzard, as the largest community of Iranians outside Iran absorbed the news that the government they had once fled was being attacked by their adopted country — and that Iran’s longtime leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed.
“This is just a day that every Iranian has hoped and prayed for,” said Mr. Yebri, now a 44-year-old lawyer who was about one year old when his Jewish family fled persecution in their homeland. “It’s the beginning of the end of a 47-year hellish nightmare for the people of Iran.”
Some 150,000 Iranian-born Americans have settled in the Los Angeles area, according to census figures. One community in West Los Angeles, near the University of California, Los Angeles, has attracted so many Iranian exiles that it is colloquially known as “Tehrangeles.”
By noon on Saturday, Iranian-American demonstrators had gathered outside the federal building in West Los Angeles, blasting Iranian music and cheering. Green, white and red Iranian flags waved from the crowd and lined nearby sidewalks. As the rally swelled, hundreds of people marched through Westwood. Cars honked. People danced.
More than a half-million residents of the United States are at least partially of Iranian descent, according to census data. Many of them were members of oppressed minorities in Iran — Jews, Assyrians, Baha’i, Christians. Some fled after the overthrow in 1979 of the last shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Some were born in exile and have never set foot in Iran.
On Saturday, the news about the military strikeswas felt acutely in Southern California. Many Iranian Americans said they had been texting since before dawn with Iranian-born relatives in other parts of the country or around the world, including in Israel, where loved ones huddled in shelters, braced for Iranian missiles.
“This is a global moment,” said Sharon S. Nazarian, 58, a political scientist at U.C.L.A. and local philanthropist whose Jewish family fled Iran when she was 10 amid death threats. “There’s a lot of fear, a lot of mixed emotion, but also a lot of hope. Our hearts are all shivering.”
Although Iranian Americans in Los Angeles have held frequent protests calling for the overthrow of the oppressive, religious government that runs Iran, some said on Saturday that they were worried about ordinary Iranians caught up in the bombing.
“There’s no question that you want this regime out, but at what human cost?” asked Adrin Nazarian, a Los Angeles city councilman whose Christian Armenian family fled Iran in 1981 and spent years moving from country to country before finally settling in the San Fernando Valley.
Mr. Nazarian said he was glad to see the Iranian government go, but horrified at the attack and worried about who might now take charge of the country. Years of sanctions had already weakened the regime nearly to the point of implosion, he said, and the military action by the United States and Israel seemed likely to create ambivalence among Iranians, who might now resent the outside meddling and the collateral damage.
“The citizens of Iran have already endured so much human loss and suffering,” he said. “And now, on top of that, the U.S. is bombing? We’re soon going find out about the losses from this attack as well.”
At Los Angeles synagogues, worshipers prayed on Saturday not only for the safety of Iranians and Israelis but also for American service members. Rabbi David Wolpe, the rabbi emeritus of Sinai Temple, a West Los Angeles synagogue where Iranian Jews make up about two-thirds of the congregation, said that many in the community were apprehensive but have long felt that “if it was at all possible to change the regime, that would be a blessing for the world.”
“They feel that this is what Iranians would want if they had the ability to do it,” he said. For two months, protesters in Iran have held large demonstrations against their government, and human rights advocates say that thousands of people have been killed.
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles said that law enforcement agencies were closely monitoring for potential threats to public safety and that Los Angeles police had stepped up patrols near places of worship, community spaces and other areas of the city. She encouraged demonstrators to remain peaceful.
Democratic leaders in California expressed support for Iranian Americans, but condemned the assault and the Trump administration.
“At a time when millions of hardworking families face higher costs of living and skyrocketing health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires, Donald Trump is now pushing the country toward a war that risks American lives without presenting a clear justification to the American people or any plan to prevent escalation and chaos in the region,” Senator Alex Padilla, who grew up in Los Angeles, said in a statement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X that while “the leadership of Iran must go,” President Trump was “engaging in an illegal, dangerous war.”
For some Iranian Americans, however, the moment was less about domestic politics than the possible end of a painful era.
“There is the feeling that you have not been breathing for 47 years,” said Ms. Nazarian, the political scientist. “And now you can breathe.”
Carmel Lastra, 42, who does digital marketing for real estate companies in Southern California, said that she had grown up listening to her Iranian-born grandmother “curse the regime” that had sent her and Ms. Lastra’s parents into exile. But she noted that her grandmother also told tales of Iran’s beauty and yearned to return someday.
Now, Ms. Lastra said, she might be able to go see what her grandmother so loved about her home country.
“I have her memories in my head,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to go to Iran.”
推翻邪惡軸心的Tehran流氓政權, 此其時也(VI)
David Chou (周威霖) BATA專欄(61) 6/18/25
Iranian Americans in L.A. find hope in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran
|
Reporting from Los Angeles
[Demonstrators in Los Angeles on Saturday wave flags and march in celebration of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.Credit...Caroline Brehman/Associated Press]
As the night wore on, a few messages became hundreds. By daybreak, they had become a blizzard, as the largest community of Iranians outside Iran absorbed the news that the government they had once fled was being attacked by their adopted country — and that Iran’s longtime leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed.
“This is just a day that every Iranian has hoped and prayed for,” said Mr. Yebri, now a 44-year-old lawyer who was about one year old when his Jewish family fled persecution in their homeland. “It’s the beginning of the end of a 47-year hellish nightmare for the people of Iran.”
Some 150,000 Iranian-born Americans have settled in the Los Angeles area, according to census figures. One community in West Los Angeles, near the University of California, Los Angeles, has attracted so many Iranian exiles that it is colloquially known as “Tehrangeles.”
By noon on Saturday, Iranian-American demonstrators had gathered outside the federal building in West Los Angeles, blasting Iranian music and cheering. Green, white and red Iranian flags waved from the crowd and lined nearby sidewalks. As the rally swelled, hundreds of people marched through Westwood. Cars honked. People danced.
More than a half-million residents of the United States are at least partially of Iranian descent, according to census data. Many of them were members of oppressed minorities in Iran — Jews, Assyrians, Baha’i, Christians. Some fled after the overthrow in 1979 of the last shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Some were born in exile and have never set foot in Iran.
On Saturday, the news about the military strikeswas felt acutely in Southern California. Many Iranian Americans said they had been texting since before dawn with Iranian-born relatives in other parts of the country or around the world, including in Israel, where loved ones huddled in shelters, braced for Iranian missiles.
“This is a global moment,” said Sharon S. Nazarian, 58, a political scientist at U.C.L.A. and local philanthropist whose Jewish family fled Iran when she was 10 amid death threats. “There’s a lot of fear, a lot of mixed emotion, but also a lot of hope. Our hearts are all shivering.”
Although Iranian Americans in Los Angeles have held frequent protests calling for the overthrow of the oppressive, religious government that runs Iran, some said on Saturday that they were worried about ordinary Iranians caught up in the bombing.
“There’s no question that you want this regime out, but at what human cost?” asked Adrin Nazarian, a Los Angeles city councilman whose Christian Armenian family fled Iran in 1981 and spent years moving from country to country before finally settling in the San Fernando Valley.
Mr. Nazarian said he was glad to see the Iranian government go, but horrified at the attack and worried about who might now take charge of the country. Years of sanctions had already weakened the regime nearly to the point of implosion, he said, and the military action by the United States and Israel seemed likely to create ambivalence among Iranians, who might now resent the outside meddling and the collateral damage.
“The citizens of Iran have already endured so much human loss and suffering,” he said. “And now, on top of that, the U.S. is bombing? We’re soon going find out about the losses from this attack as well.”
At Los Angeles synagogues, worshipers prayed on Saturday not only for the safety of Iranians and Israelis but also for American service members. Rabbi David Wolpe, the rabbi emeritus of Sinai Temple, a West Los Angeles synagogue where Iranian Jews make up about two-thirds of the congregation, said that many in the community were apprehensive but have long felt that “if it was at all possible to change the regime, that would be a blessing for the world.”
“They feel that this is what Iranians would want if they had the ability to do it,” he said. For two months, protesters in Iran have held large demonstrations against their government, and human rights advocates say that thousands of people have been killed.
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles said that law enforcement agencies were closely monitoring for potential threats to public safety and that Los Angeles police had stepped up patrols near places of worship, community spaces and other areas of the city. She encouraged demonstrators to remain peaceful.
Democratic leaders in California expressed support for Iranian Americans, but condemned the assault and the Trump administration.
“At a time when millions of hardworking families face higher costs of living and skyrocketing health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires, Donald Trump is now pushing the country toward a war that risks American lives without presenting a clear justification to the American people or any plan to prevent escalation and chaos in the region,” Senator Alex Padilla, who grew up in Los Angeles, said in a statement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X that while “the leadership of Iran must go,” President Trump was “engaging in an illegal, dangerous war.”
For some Iranian Americans, however, the moment was less about domestic politics than the possible end of a painful era.
“There is the feeling that you have not been breathing for 47 years,” said Ms. Nazarian, the political scientist. “And now you can breathe.”
Carmel Lastra, 42, who does digital marketing for real estate companies in Southern California, said that she had grown up listening to her Iranian-born grandmother “curse the regime” that had sent her and Ms. Lastra’s parents into exile. But she noted that her grandmother also told tales of Iran’s beauty and yearned to return someday.
Now, Ms. Lastra said, she might be able to go see what her grandmother so loved about her home country.
“I have her memories in my head,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to go to Iran.”
'Now is the time to rise'
"Now is the time to rise; the time to reclaim Iran," he said. "Let us all come forward...and bring about the end of this regime."
Addressing concerns over instability in a post-regime landscape, Pahlavi sought to reassure Iranians that opposition forces have a plan for the country's future.
"Iran will not descend into civil war or instability," he said. "We are prepared for the first hundred days after the fall, for the transitional period, and for the establishment of a national and democratic government - by the Iranian people and for the Iranian people."
Pahlavi also directed part of his message to the military, police, and state workers, many of whom he said have contacted him in recent days.
"Do not stand against the Iranian people for the sake of a regime whose fall has begun and is inevitable," he said. "By standing with the people, you can save your lives...and take part in building the future of Iran."
He closed the address with a message of unity and hope: "A free and flourishing Iran lies ahead of us. May we be together soon. Long live Iran! Long live the Iranian nation!"
david chou
Many thanks to Dr. Seashon Chen for his great post.
David
