Kamala Harris says Iran is the United States biggest enemy
In a recent interview, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that Iran, not Russia or China, should be regarded as the United States' biggest enemy. According to Harris, while Russia and China remain key geopolitical rivals, Iran’s activities in the Middle East and beyond pose a direct threat to American interests and global stability.
Harris pointed to Iran’s continued efforts to develop its nuclear program despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. She emphasized that Tehran’s support for terrorist organizations and its destabilizing influence in the region, especially through proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, are issues that require urgent attention. “Iran is not only pursuing nuclear capabilities, but it is also actively working to undermine peace and stability in the region through its support of extremist groups,” Harris remarked.
In comparison, Harris noted that while China’s economic and technological rise is a major long-term challenge for the U.S., and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has significantly strained international relations, Iran’s actions present more immediate and potentially volatile dangers. She explained that Iran’s close ties with militant groups like Hezbollah, its alleged involvement in cyberattacks, and its human rights abuses make it a more pressing threat to U.S. national security.
The Vice President also stressed that the Biden administration is focused on containing Iran’s nuclear ambitions through diplomacy but has not ruled out the possibility of military options if negotiations fail. “The last thing the world needs is a nuclear-armed Iran,” Harris said. “We are committed to preventing that from happening, no matter what it takes.”
Harris’s comments come amid increasing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly in the wake of the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. Since the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the agreement, Iran has stepped up its uranium enrichment efforts, raising concerns among U.S. officials about the potential for a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
The Vice President’s remarks reflect the Biden administration’s broader strategy of re-engaging diplomatically with Iran while keeping military and economic options on the table. By designating Iran as the primary threat, Harris underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing both the nuclear issue and Iran’s broader regional influence.
As debates continue within Washington on how best to counter Iran’s influence, it is clear that U.S.-Iran relations will remain a central issue in American foreign policy for the foreseeable future.