Florida Governor's Move to Confront Iran: What's at Stake?

Photo byPhoto 287063981 | Desantis © Jhansen2

Governor Ron DeSantis backed new ideas in Florida to restrain Iran while reiterating his support for Israel just days after Hamas terrorists perpetrated one of the bloodiest attacks on the Jewish state in decades.

DeSantis requested new Florida sanctions against Iran, referring to it as a "clearing house for terrorist funding in the region" in his request to the GOP-led Legislature. 

A wide range of further state or local investments in Iranian companies operating in Florida, including those in the banking, construction, manufacturing, and other sectors, were also requested by him.

After California and New York, Florida has one of the largest Jewish populations in the U.S., with South Florida having the highest concentrations. 

The proposal is the first idea DeSantis presents to the Legislature before the 2024 session begins in January. 

He requested that the sanctions be approved and maintained "until both the president and the U.S. Congress certify that Iran has stopped supporting international terrorism and seeking to acquire weapons of mass destruction."

In the wake of the attack on Israel, former Vice President Mike Pence, also running for the 2024 GOP nomination, criticized DeSantis in Iowa, saying that candidates who've backed isolationism have signaled American "retreat on the world stage." 

The governor's plan is intended to draw attention to foreign policy. In this area, DeSantis has received criticism from fellow Republicans after initially characterizing Russia's war in Ukraine as a "territorial dispute."

DeSantis, though, has supported some more assertive foreign policy positions. 

DeSantis has prioritized anti-China policy above Ukrainian policy while running for president, particularly by urging the United States to become less economically reliant on China. 

DeSantis also advocated employing American forces to combat Mexican cartels as a presidential contender.

What are your thoughts on Governor DeSantis's proposed sanctions against Iran and his foreign policy stance?

Leave your comment below and share this on social media.