Sen. Rick Scott Hails Trump’s ‘Peace Through Strength’ Strategy After Iran Leader’s Death

Senator Rick Scott praised President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran and the broader Middle East on Sunday, calling it a return to “peace through strength” and crediting U.S. intelligence and military forces following the death of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Speaking with Greta Van Susteren during Sunday’s special broadcast, Scott began by honoring three recently killed U.S. service members.
“My heart goes out to the three service members we lost,” he said. “I hope the ones that are injured have a full recovery.” He added, “I’m very, very appreciative of the military. I had the opportunity to serve in the Navy, and I appreciate everybody who puts on the uniform.”

Scott highlighted Trump’s Middle East policy—including relocating the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem during his first term and brokering the Abraham Accords—as pivotal shifts that have redirected the region.
“What President Trump is trying to do is peace through strength,” Scott stated. “It’s pretty simple. And the results are dramatic.”

He contrasted Trump’s strategy with what he described as “Biden-Obama appeasement, coddling, empowerment,” noting Trump has consistently made it clear Iran would not develop nuclear weapons or missiles capable of threatening Israel or U.S. troops. Scott expressed disappointment that some Democrats have opposed the president’s actions, recalling they did not object when former President Barack Obama ordered military strikes in Syria.

When asked how the administration would avoid a prolonged conflict like Iraq, Scott emphasized definitive intelligence on Iran: “We know … they’re trying to get nuclear weapons. We know they have missiles. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about that. So the intelligence is clear.” He also underscored the absence of U.S. boots on the ground and Trump’s consistent opposition to “forever wars.”
“He campaigned against forever wars,” Scott said. “At the same time, he knows as the commander in chief that he has to defend American citizens. And that’s what he’s doing.”

Scott warned that without U.S. action, Iran would continue producing approximately 100 missiles monthly, escalating risks for American forces and Israel. Praise for actions leading to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death included: “You have to really admire the CIA. You have to admire military intelligence, and you have to admire Israel because they’re acting on good information.” He added, “The world is a safer place because the ayatollah has killed thousands of people. Iranians. He’s killed Americans for decades.”

Ending with a warning to adversaries, Scott declared: “I would not want to be on the opposite side of America. I would not want to be on the opposite side of Israel. If you’re on the opposite side of America or Israel, you will lose.” He criticized China and Russia for their actions abroad and treatment of citizens.