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Trump Blasts Biden's Iran Policy After Jordan Attack

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 10:40 GMT by nbcnews.com
      Locales: IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), UNITED STATES

Palm Beach, Florida - February 15, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized the Biden administration's handling of Iran following the deadly drone attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three U.S. service members. In an interview with Fox News, Trump asserted that such an attack would not have occurred had he remained in office, promising a significantly more aggressive response to Iranian aggression. He warned Tehran of a "big retaliation" should he win the November election, framing the current situation as a direct result of the Biden administration's perceived weakness.

"If I were in office, this wouldn't have happened," Trump stated emphatically. "I would have been very, very tough on Iran. And it wouldn't have happened."

The attack, carried out by an Iran-backed militia group - Kata'ib Hezbollah, according to multiple sources - has dramatically escalated tensions in the already volatile Middle East. President Biden has pledged to hold those responsible accountable, but details of that response remain fluid and are subject to intense scrutiny. Trump's comments serve as a stark contrast, suggesting a far more proactive and potentially escalatory approach.

Trump squarely blamed Iran for the attack, despite the involvement of a proxy group. "Iran is responsible. Iran is behind this attack," he claimed, echoing a sentiment shared by many hawkish foreign policy analysts. He argued that the Biden administration's policies have inadvertently emboldened Iran, leading to increased regional instability. Specifically, Trump pointed to the ongoing negotiations surrounding the 2015 nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA) - from which he unilaterally withdrew the U.S. in 2018 - and the easing of certain sanctions as signals of weakness.

A Return to "Maximum Pressure"?

Trump's rhetoric raises the specter of a return to his "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, characterized by stringent economic sanctions aimed at crippling the Iranian economy and forcing the regime to renegotiate its nuclear program and curb its regional influence. While the sanctions did inflict significant economic hardship on Iran, critics argued they also exacerbated humanitarian concerns and failed to fundamentally alter Iran's behavior.

The current situation is further complicated by the ongoing internal unrest within Iran. The death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, while in the custody of Iran's morality police for allegedly violating dress code rules, sparked widespread protests across the country. These protests, representing a significant challenge to the authority of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ruling clerical establishment, have been met with brutal repression by Iranian security forces. Some analysts believe that the attack in Jordan may be, in part, a calculated attempt by the Iranian regime to rally domestic support and divert attention from the internal turmoil.

"Iran is exploiting a perceived weakness in American resolve," stated Dr. Eleanor Vance, a Middle East specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations. "They are testing the boundaries, and Trump is right to point out the need for a strong response. However, the nature of that response is critical. An overly aggressive approach could easily spiral into a wider conflict."

Shifting U.S. Policy Landscape

Trump's statements underscore a potential seismic shift in U.S. policy toward Iran if he were to be re-elected in November. His previous administration not only withdrew from the JCPOA but also designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. A second Trump term could see a further escalation of these measures, potentially including military action.

The implications of a more confrontational U.S. policy toward Iran are far-reaching. A full-scale conflict could destabilize the entire region, disrupt global oil supplies, and potentially draw in other actors, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Russia.

The Biden administration has attempted to strike a balance between deterring Iranian aggression and pursuing a diplomatic solution. However, the recent attack in Jordan has undoubtedly put that strategy to the test. As the situation continues to unfold, the stakes remain incredibly high, and the potential for miscalculation is significant. The November election is increasingly shaping up to be a referendum on the future of U.S. policy towards Iran, with two vastly different visions on offer.