Instead of negotiating directly with Iran, senior officials in the Reagan administration sold arms to Tehran during the 1985–86 Iran-Contra affair, an attempt to free American hostages held in Lebanon while using the profits to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. It remains to be seen whether the president will continue to convey, tangibly and credibly, that Iran must end its efforts to advance its nuclear weapons program, arm its surrogates, and engage in other illegal conduct. During previous presidential administrations, the United States failed to give Iran reason to believe it was ready to use all measures necessary to force an end to its threats and other improper conduct.
Author: February 4, 2026
Published at: 2026-02-04 00:00:00
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