Washington, DC – Republican Senator John Hoeven called on the Iranian leadership to “recognize that change is inevitable.” He also stressed that Tehran “only understands the language of force,” in an interview with Fox News.
Messages disseminated by the US military mobilization
Referring to the deployment of US forces around Iran, Hoven said the aim of this move was “to send a clear message to the Ayatollah and the Iranian regime that change is now imperative.” He considered the increased US military presence in the region to be a deterrent measure. He emphasized that it also aimed to redraw clear red lines.
Condemnation of the crackdown on protests in Iran
The senator strongly criticized Iran’s human rights record, citing the deaths of 30,000 people. He asserted that “there is no regime as repressive as the Iranian government.” He added that Tehran, “in addition to repressing its own citizens, is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism” through its support for armed groups. These groups include Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Furthermore, Iran supports other groups in the region. Hoven also pointed to what he described as widespread Iranian opposition activity abroad, stating, “Yesterday, Saturday, February 14, we saw hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Iranians around the world crying out for help to overthrow this repressive regime.”
Reza Pahlavi’s role in change
Regarding Reza Pahlavi’s potential role, Hoven explained that his position might involve “a transfer of power and contributing to the formation of a government ultimately chosen by the Iranian people.” He also emphasized that Iran’s future must be determined by the will of its citizens. Hoven’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, and ongoing debate within the United States regarding how to address the Iranian issue, specifically between increasing pressure and pursuing diplomatic engagement.
