Klein argued that even absent Israel’s security concerns, the United States would have had to act independently to counter what he described as an openly hostile regime.
By TheJ.Ca Staff
(March 3, 2026 / TheJ.Ca) Morton Klein, national president of the Zionist Organization of America, on Tuesday praised the joint U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran’s regime as a “courageous” and “necessary” act of self-defense, arguing that the operation was essential to protect American and Israeli lives and counter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
In a public statement, Klein expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for authorizing what he described as a historic operation targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.
“We are profoundly grateful to President Trump for the courageous, necessary joint U.S.–Israeli operation against Iran’s terror regime and its monstrous terrorist leadership,” Klein said. “This was a historic strike for freedom and security.”
Klein asserted that the operation had already removed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “from the equation.” However, official confirmation of leadership changes has not been independently verified by U.S. or Israeli authorities at the time of publication.
The Zionist Organization of America, founded in 1897 and one of the oldest pro-Israel advocacy groups in the United States, has long called for a hard line against Tehran. Klein reiterated that Iran’s regime has, in his view, posed a direct and sustained threat to both Israel and the United States.
“For decades, this regime has been the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” Klein said. He cited Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, its ballistic missile program, and its repeated calls for the destruction of Israel and hostility toward the United States.
Klein argued that even absent Israel’s security concerns, the United States would have had to act independently to counter what he described as an openly hostile regime.
“Even if Israel did not exist, the United States would have had to act to defend itself from a regime openly at war with America,” he said, referencing past attacks on American interests and the broader history of Iranian-backed militancy in the Middle East.
U.S. officials have previously designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and imposed multiple rounds of sanctions over its nuclear program and regional activities. Tehran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Klein also criticized prior American administrations for what he described as appeasement policies.
“Too many American administrations have appeased and funded these terrorist fanatics while they plotted against U.S. officials and oppressed their own people,” he said.
He framed the joint operation as a decisive break from that approach, describing it as an effort to prevent nuclear escalation and protect civilians.
“The joint U.S.–Israeli operation was about protecting American lives and stopping nuclear annihilation,” Klein said.
The statement also emphasized solidarity with segments of the Iranian population opposed to the current regime. Klein referred to what he described as “millions of Iranians who despise this tyranny,” citing ongoing protests and unrest reported in recent years.
The Zionist Organization of America has been among the most vocal American Jewish groups advocating for maximum pressure on Iran. Klein noted that ZOA previously honored President Trump with its Theodore Herzl Award, underscoring the organization’s longstanding support for his Middle East policies.
“History will record that when the moment came, President Trump chose strength over surrender,” Klein said.
As regional tensions continue to unfold, reactions across the American Jewish community and among international leaders remain varied. Some organizations have voiced strong support for decisive action against Iran’s military capabilities, while others have called for caution and diplomatic engagement to prevent wider conflict.
The situation remains fluid, with governments monitoring potential retaliation and assessing the broader geopolitical consequences of the strike.
This article was originally published in TheJ.Ca and can be viewed here.