Washington, March 4 (NationPress) A significant number of retired high-ranking American military officials have publicly expressed their support for the collaborative military operations between the US and Israel targeting Iran. They assert that such actions are crucial for diminishing Tehran's capacity to pose threats against the United States, its allies, and regional stability.

In an open letter coordinated by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), over 70 retired generals and admirals from the US military voiced their backing for the ongoing initiative dubbed Operation Epic Fury.

“As former senior military leaders of the United States, we stand behind the joint military operations conducted by the US and Israel aimed at neutralizing and undermining the Iranian regime’s capability to threaten the United States, our allies, and the Iranian populace,” the letter stated.

The signatories also extended their commendation to the American forces and intelligence personnel engaged in this operation.

“We applaud the bravery of the exemplary United States Military and our Intelligence Community involved in this mission,” the letter highlighted.

Blaise Misztal, JINSA’s Vice President for Policy, indicated that this endorsement stems from the insights of military leaders who have observed Iran's actions over an extensive period.

“For over twenty years, Iran has been targeting and taking the lives of US servicemen and women,” Misztal remarked. “The retired senior military officials who signed this letter have witnessed that threat up close and personal. They comprehend the danger that Iran represents to America, the pressing need to tackle it, and the formidable capabilities the United States and Israel possess to confront it together.”

The letter posits that the Iranian leadership has consistently endangered US personnel and regional stability since the establishment of the Islamic Republic.

“Since its founding 47 years ago, the radical regime, whose mantra is ‘Death to America, Death to Israel,’ has committed itself to jeopardizing the lives of US troops, diplomats, and civilians across the Middle East and domestically,” it emphasized.

It further stated that Tehran's actions have already resulted in American casualties.

“Hundreds of Americans have perished at the hands of the Islamic Republic and its terrorist affiliates.”

The signatories also accused Iran of pursuing broader ambitions in the region.

“Tehran's leaders openly declare their intentions to spill American blood, expel the United States from the Middle East, annihilate Israel, and dominate a region critical to global stability.”

The letter asserts that Iran has sought to develop strategic capabilities that could directly threaten the United States.

“It has been advancing missile and nuclear capabilities that pose a risk to the eastern seaboard of the United States,” it stated, noting that Tehran has pursued these ambitions “with the backing of US adversaries, including Russia, China, and North Korea.”

The retired officers maintained that the ongoing military action is a direct response to Iran’s relentless efforts to expand its military and nuclear capabilities.

“The US-Israel military initiatives are a countermeasure to Iran’s unwavering attempts to realize those ambitions,” the letter asserted.

It cautioned that Iran has escalated its missile program in the wake of recent regional conflicts.

“Following last summer’s 12-Day War, Tehran has intensified its missile development efforts to threaten our bases, our allies, and ultimately our homeland.”

The letter also indicated that Iran continues to pursue nuclear capabilities in spite of international pressure.

“And it has persisted in its quest for nuclear weaponry, despite being presented with numerous opportunities to withdraw.”

The signatories stressed that close coordination among the United States, Israel, and regional allies is crucial.

“For all these reasons, it is significant that the United States is collaborating so closely with Israel and other regional partners,” the letter concluded.

Ultimately, the retired officers expressed that Iran’s future rests in the hands of its own citizens.

“It will be up to the Iranian populace to dismantle the regime and pave the way for a brighter future for Iran and the world.”

Notable signatories include Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, former Supreme Allied Commander Europe; Adm. Timothy J. Keating, former commander of US Pacific Command; and Gen. James D. Thurman, former commander of US Forces Korea.