Dozens of Retired US Military Leaders Back Israel and US Strikes on Iran

A powerful show of support from America’s military establishment has emerged in the wake of the ongoing campaign against Iran.

Seventy-two retired U.S. generals and admirals have publicly endorsed the joint American–Israeli strikes targeting the Iranian regime, warning that Tehran’s long-standing aggression threatens both nations and the stability of the Middle East.

The statement was organized by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and released as the conflict intensified.

According to the letter’s signatories, the Iranian regime has spent decades pursuing policies aimed directly at harming the United States and Israel.

The retired military leaders emphasized that Iran’s leadership has openly embraced hostility toward both countries.

“The Iranian regime, whose slogan is ‘death to America, death to Israel,’ has committed to endangering the lives of U.S. troops, diplomats and civilians across the Middle East and here at home,” the letter states.

The signatories also pointed to the regime’s long record of sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating attacks through proxy militias.

According to the letter, hundreds of Americans have been killed by Iran and its network of armed groups.

Many of the retired officers who signed the statement personally witnessed the impact of those policies while serving in the Middle East during the past two decades.

Analysts estimate that Iranian-backed forces were responsible for the deaths of approximately 600 American service members during the Iraq War alone.

The retired commanders also highlighted Iran’s persistent pursuit of nuclear capabilities despite years of diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing the program.

They wrote that Tehran had been offered multiple diplomatic pathways to reduce tensions but continued advancing its nuclear ambitions while strengthening ties with geopolitical rivals such as Russia and China.

According to the signatories, allowing the Iranian regime to achieve nuclear capability would significantly increase instability across the Middle East and threaten global security.

Blaise Misztal, vice president for policy at JINSA, said the letter was meant to convey the confidence that many experienced military leaders have in the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel.

“They wanted to express the need for these operations, the need to address the Iranian threat, and their confidence in that partnership,” Misztal explained.

JINSA has spent decades bringing retired U.S. military leaders to Israel through educational and strategic programs designed to deepen understanding of the security relationship between the two democracies.

Many of the officers involved in those programs developed close familiarity with Israel’s defense environment and the unique security challenges it faces.

Despite their strong support for confronting the Iranian regime, the retired officers emphasized that the current campaign is not intended to resemble past American military interventions.

They wrote that the ultimate responsibility for political change in Iran rests with the Iranian people themselves.

Misztal explained that the officers see the mission as focused on eliminating a dangerous threat rather than imposing outside political transformation.

“It’s not a regime-change war where the United States is going to topple the government,” he said. “And it’s not a nation-building war where American troops remain there for decades.”

Instead, he noted, many believe the Iranian population who have repeatedly protested against the regime could ultimately shape their country’s future if the regime’s power weakens.

The public backing of dozens of high-ranking retired officers underscores the depth of support within parts of America’s national security community for Israel’s efforts to neutralize Iranian threats.

For Israel, the alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of its security strategy, rooted not only in shared interests but in shared democratic values.

As the situation in the region continues to evolve, that partnership remains a critical force for stability.

Israel continues to stand alongside its allies in defending freedom and confronting those who threaten peace. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about the developments shaping Israel and the broader Middle East.