Trump’s warning to Iran: Letters to the Editor — Feb. 6, 2026

President Donald Trump listens to a question from a reporter as he speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Washington. AP

The Issue: The Post’s editorial calling on President Trump to take military action against Iran.

Never were truer words written than yours imploring President Trump to enforce his threat to strike Iran if the regime continued to slaughter protesters rioting in their cities (“Trump Must Hit Iran,” Editorial, Feb. 3).

There are three reasons to expect Trump to act decisively: Israel expects his action, Iran expects his action and America expects his action.

Failure to hit Iran would be seen as weakness and indecision — two qualities Donald Trump abhors. President Trump, do as you must!

Rich Klitzberg

Boca Raton, Fla.

Trump needs the support of Arab nations for any action against Iran. A bombing campaign won’t bring regime change, but only result in a pause. Tougher sanctions will force the Iranian leaders to reach an agreement that will salvage their economy.

Ed Houlihan

Ridgewood, NJ

If we get rid of the Ayattollah and install the crown prince, we have a viable country and no nuclear threat. Iran is just talking with the United States to buy time so things will calm down.

Michael Shapiro

Boca Raton, Fla.

After a year of back-and-forth dialogue, the United States and Iran are sitting for what may be their final round of negotiations, overshadowed by the presence of formidable American and allied armed forces.

The regime must feel crushed between a rock and a hard place, as it can no longer sustain its failed and futile domestic, regional and international policies.

The Islamic Republic’s shutdown of the internet, media and phone communications, followed by the killings of tens of thousands of demonstrators, has gravely undermined its lifelines, regardless of whether the outcome is negotiation or intervention.

Pirouz Azadi

Bakersfield, Calif.

I fear that the United States is about to fall into the same old trap of accepting the Iranian regime’s offer of negotiations, which have a different meaning to the regime than to us, which we can see from Iran’s past approach to negotiations about its nuclear program.

Iran’s rulers do not negotiate with the United States to reach a deal beneficial to both sides. That’s a Western paradigm not shared by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his minions.

One can only hope that President Trump will see through the charade and respond appropriately.

Daniel H. Trigoboff

Williamsville

During his presidential campaign, Trump promised the voters he would be the “peace president” and vowed to keep our nation out of foreign wars. He’s done the opposite, which is why he’s losing so much support here and abroad.

Tehran’s vow to retaliate should be taken seriously, and if Trump is truly the “peace president” he claims to be, then he should stop the war-mongering and recall his armada back to the United States. Trump has a duty to make peace with Iran, unless he wants to start World War III.

People didn’t vote for Trump to be the world’s policeman, and if it’s regime change the Iranians want, then let them figure it out on their own without demanding Trump’s help.

J. J. Crovatto

Ramsey, NJ

The world has been shown that Iran is a paper tiger and its leaders only hold onto power by massacring their own citizens.

I hate the idea of another overseas incursion — but if we have to do this to free the Iranian people, it’s the humane thing to do, right?

James Schwartz

Summit, NJ

The plans have been parsed, the tripwires set and the armada is treading water. We are entering into more negotiations with theocratic thugs whose precepts value deception of their opponents, the various Satans of their fantastic worldview.

We know all this, but must make a show of “jaw-jaw” because we in the West think that is better than “war-war.”

No one desires armed conflict, and we have done everything to extend an olive branch to the rulers of Iran. But we also know the score and have prepared a shutout. The ball is in their court.

Paul Bloustein

Cincinnati, Ohio

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.