In a major foreign policy address at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C., Florida Governor and potential Republican presidential contender Ron DeSantis called for the destruction of the Iranian economy. This call came in response to recent US airstrikes on two Iranian-controlled sites in eastern Syria, which were launched as a retaliatory measure against a string of attacks on US bases in Syria and Iraq.

During his address, DeSantis asserted that tightening the financial screws on Iran should be the primary objective. He argued that by crippling Iran's economy, the country would no longer be able to fund organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, or provide support to Russia. The Florida governor criticized President Joe Biden, accusing him of pursuing a weak and misguided foreign policy that has enriched Iran.

DeSantis specifically pointed to the waiver of sanctions by the Biden administration, allowing $10 billion frozen in Iraq to be deposited into Iranian bank accounts in Oman. Some conservatives have criticized this move, claiming that it has inadvertently enabled Iran's influence and facilitated Hamas attacks and Russian activities in Europe.

The Biden administration, however, has defended its actions, stating that it has taken economic measures to counter Iran's destabilizing behaviors and regional threats. White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the US is fully aware of Iran's support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the attacks on American facilities, troops, and diplomats in Iraq and Syria.

The recent airstrikes carried out by the Pentagon were unrelated to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Instead, they were aimed at warning Iran against exploiting the regional turmoil. The targeted sites, a weapons storage facility, and an ammunition plant near Abu Kamal, were under the control of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

These strikes mark the first authorization by the Biden administration to target Iranian-linked targets in Syria and Iraq since March. The decision followed a series of assaults that began on October 17. The US currently has 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq and an additional 900 in Syria.

President Biden, in response to escalating tensions, delivered a warning to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioning against any further attacks on US forces in the region. He made it clear that there would be consequences if Iran continued to endanger American troops.

The situation between the US and Iran remains tense, with DeSantis's call for the destruction of the Iranian economy adding fuel to the ongoing dispute. As tensions escalate, the international community closely watches for any developments that could further destabilize the region.