Former Israeli ambassador Danny Ayalon told Newsmax that Iran must abandon its nuclear program and regional ambitions to regain legitimacy on the world stage. He cautioned against mistaking visiting Iranian leaders for moderates, credited President Trump with demonstrating deterrence, and urged Gulf states to take a leading role while opposing U.S. ground troops. Ayalon also warned that Iran is using proxies—such as the Houthis—to threaten vital shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Former Israeli Ambassador Danny Ayalon: Trump Proved Iran Is a 'Paper Tiger' — Calls For Gulf Action
Danny Ayalon speaks on Newsmax.
Former Israeli ambassador to the United States Danny Ayalon told Newsmax that Iran must abandon both its nuclear program and regional ambitions if it expects to be accepted as a legitimate member of the international community.
Speaking on Newsmax's "Saturday Report," Ayalon warned that visiting Iranian officials should not be mistaken for moderates. He singled out Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arguing that a conciliatory tone masks the regime's true intentions.
"The Iranian regime is trying to speak with two sides of their tongue," Ayalon said. "The president of Iran and the foreign minister of Iran are trying to appease or to show as they are more moderate, but they are not, unfortunately."
Deterrence and U.S. Policy
Ayalon praised President Donald Trump for a tougher posture toward Tehran, saying that recent U.S. actions have demonstrated to Iranian leaders that Washington "means business." He argued this firmness has helped deter Tehran from directly attacking Israel.
"So far, in the last 40 or so years, they have been enjoying, I would say, circumspection from world leaders not to deal with them," Ayalon said. "The president showed that Iran is a paper tiger." He added, "They know that we will respond in such a way that will render them obsolete."
Role for Gulf States and Limits on U.S. Ground Forces
Ayalon urged Gulf Arab states to assume a larger, more active role in countering Iran—using the U.S.-provided arms, logistics and networks they already possess—while stressing that the United States should avoid deploying ground troops to the region.
"I hope that all nations, all peace-seeking nations, will join behind President Trump," he said. "First and foremost, the Gulf countries, which enjoy the best of American arms. But they are not using it. They should be in the front against Iran... I don't think the United States should be on the ground there."
Maritime Threats and Proxy Activity
Highlighting maritime security concerns, Ayalon warned that Iran is encouraging proxies to threaten strategic shipping lanes. Asked about Iran-backed Houthi actions and the risks to vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, he said the pattern shows how unchecked aggression expands.
"It is the Iranians that not only try to stop any flow of navigation in Hormuz, but they are now pushing the Houthis to do it in Bab el-Mandeb," Ayalon said. "That's really trying to paralyze the entire world trade."
Negotiations and International Standing
Ayalon insisted Tehran should not be treated as an equal negotiating partner unless it abandons activities that breach international law. "If they want to become a member of the international community as they come to the U.N. this week," he said, "they must forfeit their nuclear ambitions and also their hegemonic ambitions in the region."
He opened the interview by commending President Trump for what he called a "great diplomatic coup about Greenland," and argued that a sustained American presence abroad makes the United States and its partners safer.
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