To solve global problems, one must address the politics behind them and confront the regimes that drive them.
When dealing with external forces such as Iran that threaten U.S. security and undermine core American interests, it is necessary to confront the political regime itself rather than focusing solely on surface-level agreements or transactional deals.
The theocratic regime established by the 1979 Islamic Revolution has, from its very inception, based its ideological legitimacy and political identity on opposition to the United States and the West.
After the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution overthrew the pro-American Shah, the Khomeini regime immediately adopted the doctrine of “Neither East nor West, but the Islamic Republic” as a national principle and branded the United States as the “Great Satan.”
The hostage crisis (1979–1981), support for anti-American terrorist organizations, the export of the revolution, and the nuclear program were all products of this ideological framework.
The regime’s primary survival logic is not centered on Iran’s national interests, but on Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) and the broader expansion of Islamist ideology.
As long as the fundamental nature of the regime remains unchanged, any agreement is likely to serve only as a tactical pause rather than a strategic solution.
History has repeatedly shown that strategic deception (taqiyya), violations of agreements, and proxy warfare through groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have been recurring features of the regime’s behavior.
A lasting resolution to the threat requires a fundamental change in the regime’s conduct—or a transformation of the regime itself.
A temporary, performance-based agreement, without sustained and significant pressure—whether military, economic, or through support for Iran’s domestic opposition—could simply provide the regime with breathing room to regroup, rebuild its strength, and continue its anti-American agenda.
An America First policy should not naively assume that an ideological regime founded on anti-Americanism will fundamentally change because of a signed agreement.
Maintaining maximum pressure, supporting the Iranian people’s pursuit of a normal and accountable state, and coordinating with allies to address the challenge collectively are more likely to provide a durable long-term approach.