Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman is reportedly once again breaking ranks with his party, openly voicing support for U.S. intervention against Iran as the regime faces growing accusations of violently suppressing its own people to cling to power.
Fetterman’s comments come amid reports of escalating bloodshed inside Iran as nationwide anti-government protests continue. According to reporting cited by New York Post, the Iranian regime has been “callously slaughtering civilians” who were not even participating in demonstrations, with witnesses describing horrific scenes as the reported death toll climbed to roughly 2,000. Those accounts began surfacing after Iranian authorities partially restored international phone access following days of cutting off the internet, a move widely seen as an attempt to stifle information about the crackdown.
Speaking Monday on CNN, Fetterman addressed the possibility of U.S. strikes against Iran and made clear he is open to a more forceful response. He said such strikes “make sense” and stated plainly that he supports them, adding that he is inspired by what he described as the courage of Iranian protesters standing up to the regime.
Fetterman argued that the United States and its allies should rally behind those demonstrators rather than limiting themselves to statements of concern. He questioned why the international community could not act decisively to back the protesters and help bring down what he called an “awful regime.” According to Fetterman, the Iranian government’s actions show desperation, pointing to the decision to shut down the internet and reports that security forces are killing civilians in the streets.
He also referenced claims that the regime is now offering small monthly payments, described as about six dollars, as a form of appeasement. Fetterman said those moves underscore how fragile the government has become. From his perspective, he argued, there should be broad agreement that the world would be safer, more just, and more secure if the current Iranian regime were broken.
Fetterman’s remarks closely echoed statements made by former House Speaker and historian Newt Gingrich, who has also called for decisive action. In a post on X, Gingrich argued that sympathy alone for the Iranian people is insufficient, and that rhetorical support from Western leaders without concrete action amounts to failure.
Gingrich warned that the Iranian dictatorship is fighting for survival and is willing to kill dissidents to maintain power. He claimed that within weeks, either the regime would fall or it would successfully suppress the uprising and begin hunting down and killing protest leaders. According to Gingrich, there is no middle ground in the current moment.
He went on to argue that Western leaders should make it their explicit goal to destroy the Iranian dictatorship while it is vulnerable. Gingrich said that nothing would do more to advance peace, safety, and prosperity in the Middle East than the fall of the Ayatollah’s rule, urging immediate action.
Together, the comments from Fetterman and Gingrich highlight a rare moment of alignment across party lines, as frustration grows over Iran’s violent crackdown and questions mount about how long the international community can stand by without taking stronger steps.
