‘All options are on the table’ to keep Iran from going nuclear, Kamala Harris says in High Holiday call with Jewish voters
(JTA) — WASHINGTON — In a pre-election High Holidays call with Jewish voters, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized her commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. During the call, she expressed a preference for diplomacy but firmly stated that “all options are on the table.”
The call occurred just hours before the commencement of Yom Kippur and aimed to position Harris as more in line with strong action regarding Iran compared to her presidential rival, Donald Trump, whom she indicated had been ineffective in dealing with the situation during his administration.
“Make no mistake, as president, I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend American forces and interests from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists, and I will never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon,” she declared. “Diplomacy is my preferred path to that end, but all options are on the table.”
The phrase “all options are on the table” recalls its frequent usage during the Obama administration, particularly during the negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. By reiterating this point, Harris signaled her understanding of Israel’s longstanding demand for U.S. support in countering Iran’s nuclear aspirations, including military backing if necessary.
Israel currently requires advanced weaponry from the United States to effectively target nuclear sites, which are well-hidden and fortified. President Joe Biden has signaled his support for Israeli defensive actions, but he has simultaneously cautioned against strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities due to the potential for escalating conflict in the region.
In contrast, Trump has not clearly defined his stance on whether he would support Israel in such military interventions. Recently, he criticized Biden for urging restraint regarding attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, interpreting Biden’s caution as weakness.
Harris contended that when Trump was in office, he failed to respond adequately to Iranian aggressions, referencing missile strikes on U.S. bases. “When Donald Trump was president, he let Iran off the hook after Iran and its proxies attacked U.S. bases and American troops,” she noted.
She further criticized Trump for abandoning the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, stating that his decision allowed Iran to advance closer to developing a nuclear weapon. While Israel supported the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement, advocating for a strategy that included maximum pressure on Iran, this had unintended consequences when Iran resumed its nuclear activities shortly after sanctions were reinstated.
“Trump did nothing, and he pulled out of the nuclear deal without any plan, leading to an unconstrained Iranian nuclear program,” Harris stated emphatically.
In addition to discussing Iran, Harris reaffirmed her support for Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which escalated dramatically following the events of October 7, 2023. Harris addressed the tragic loss of life in Israel and emphasized the necessity of working toward a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages while still advocating for humanitarian relief for Palestinians affected by the Israeli response.
“We are not giving up on a ceasefire and hostage deal,” she asserted, highlighting the complex and delicate nature of the situation. “I will never stop fighting for the release of all the hostages, including the seven American citizens still held.” There are currently believed to be around 101 hostages remaining in Gaza, increasing the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
Harris also criticized Trump for fostering an environment of antisemitism, pointing out his history of using divisive rhetoric. She pointed to moments like the 2017 Charlottesville march as reflective of the dangerous atmosphere that has emerged under Trump’s influence.
Antisemitism has emerged as a prominent theme in the current political climate, with Harris emphasizing the Biden administration’s proactive measures to combat it through strategy initiatives led by her husband, Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish.
Republicans have accused the Biden-Harris administration of not doing enough to address the rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses, where protests often concerning Israel cross into antisemitic rhetoric. Though there have been federal inquiries and investigations, much of the push for reform has stemmed from Republican-led initiatives in Congress.
Harris acknowledged the heightened anxiety among Jewish communities regarding safety on college campuses. “I know across the country many Jewish parents and grandparents are worried for their children who are on college campuses. Many Jewish students have feared attending class in recent months,” she said.
While supporting the principle of free speech on campuses, Harris insisted that universities must also ensure a secure environment for Jewish students. “When Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism, and I condemn it,” she emphasized. “Each university must ensure all students and faculty are safe and secure on campus in the United States of America.”
