Manchin Backs Trump's Response As 'Operation Epic Fury' Escalates: 'Iranian Regime Can't Be Trusted'

(NewsNation) — As Operation Epic Fury intensifies in Iran, former Sen. Joe Manchin said he does not fault President Donald Trump for taking action against Tehran's ruling regime.

Manchin, an Independent who represented West Virginia in the U.S. Senate, noted that he voted against the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act in 2015 and has long harbored deep skepticism about Iran's leadership.

"I just knew we could never trust the Iranian regime, the people in charge since 1979," Manchin said. "With that, I could not come to grips with how we would release so much money up front, hoping they would do the right thing, make them prove they want to be part of the world order. They would never do that."

Calls For Regional Responsibility

Manchin urged traditional U.S. allies to support efforts to limit Iran's regional influence, arguing the Middle East would be safer without Iranian nuclear capabilities. He specifically called on Gulf Arab states to take a more assertive role.

"I'm hoping our friends over in the Gulf states take action, they want to make the region an attractive, safe place and you can't do that with an Iranian regime," Manchin said. "Let's cut the head off the snake and move on."

His remarks reflect a long-standing position that diplomatic agreements should include strict verification and not provide large, upfront concessions without clear proof of compliance. Manchin emphasized that allied pressure—and not just U.S. action—will be critical to achieving lasting security in the region.

Context: These comments summarize Manchin's public statements amid ongoing developments in the region and do not represent exhaustive reporting on Operation Epic Fury or broader diplomatic efforts.