A group of 74 retired U.S. generals and admirals recently voiced strong support for the joint U.S.-Israel military operation targeting Iran, calling it a necessary response to decades of threats from the Islamic Republic against the United States, its allies and regional stability.

The endorsement came in an open letter published Tuesday by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) and signed by dozens of former senior American military commanders. 

The letter backs the current military actions, known as Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, which aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and partners across the Middle East.

«As retired senior American military leaders, we support the joint U.S.-Israeli military action to degrade and weaken the Iranian regime’s ability to threaten the United States, our allies and partners, and the Iranian people,» the letter states. «And we commend the valor of the outstanding United States Military and our Intelligence Community engaged in this operation.»

Among the prominent signatories are former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., who served during the height of the Iraq War; former Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jerome Johnson; former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. W.L. Nyland, who held the post during the early Iraq War; former Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. European Command Gen. Philip M. Breedlove; and former U.S. Pacific Command chief Adm. Timothy J. Keating.

The retired commanders argue that Iran’s leadership has spent decades threatening American interests and supporting militant groups across the region.

«Since its inception 47 years ago, the radical regime, whose slogan is ‘Death to America, Death to Israel,’ has committed to endangering the lives of U.S. troops, diplomats, and civilians across the Middle East and here at home,» the letter says, noting that «hundreds of Americans have lost their lives at the hands of the Islamic Republic and its terrorist proxies.»

According to the signatories, the current military campaign is a direct response to Iran’s continued efforts to expand its military capabilities.

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The Commander of the United States Central Command Adm. Brad Cooper recently visited Israel as the official guest of the chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.  (IDF Spokesman’s Unit.)

«U.S.-Israel military action is a response to Iran’s unstinting efforts to make those ambitions a reality,» the letter states. «Following last summer’s 12-Day War, Tehran has redoubled its missile building program to hold at risk our bases, our partners, and ultimately our homeland.»

Iran’s regional proxy network also remains a central concern, the letter warns. «Its proxy forces in Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and elsewhere continue to threaten U.S. targets, Israel, and freedom of navigation in some of the world’s most vital waterways.»

The letter further argues that Iran has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities despite previous military setbacks. 

«Since Operation Midnight Hammer against its main enrichment sites last June, Iran has attempted to rebuild elements of its destroyed nuclear infrastructure,» the letter states. 

The signatories also point to Iran’s domestic repression as evidence of the regime’s nature. 

«The regime’s brutal crackdown on protestors showed the entire world just what it is willing to do to keep its people and the region under its thumb,» they wrote.

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A U.S. Navy ship launches Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in support of Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs)

At the same time, the letter stresses that coordination between the United States, Israel and regional partners will be critical for the campaign’s success.

«For all these reasons, it is noteworthy that the United States is working so closely with Israel and other regional partners,» the letter states. «Such cooperation is vital to degrade and eliminate the regime’s arsenals, undermine its organs of oppression, and signal unmistakably that it cannot continue threatening not only core U.S. interests, but the broader security and prosperity of the Middle East and its own population.»

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described the joint campaign as a decisive military operation aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and air defense networks.

Speaking Wednesday, Hegseth said the Israeli and U.S. air forces were quickly establishing air superiority over Iran.

«Starting last night and to be completed in a few days … the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies. Uncontested airspace,» Hegseth said.

Critics, however, have warned the operation could have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of a wider regional war. 

French President Emmanuel Macron urged restraint following the strikes, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region, while U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the confrontation could spiral into a broader conflict and called for renewed diplomatic efforts.

Several Democratic lawmakers have also raised concerns about the strikes. 

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., said he believed the operation amounted to «a war of choice with no strategic endgame.» 

Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., said after attending a classified briefing that he had not seen evidence of an immediate Iranian threat. 

Blaise Misztal, vice president for policy at JINSA, said the letter reflects the perspective of commanders who witnessed the Iranian threat firsthand.

«For more than two decades, Iran has been targeting and killing U.S. men and women in uniform,» Misztal said. «The retired senior military leaders who signed this letter have seen that threat up close and firsthand. They understand the threat that Iran poses to America, the urgent need to address it, and the tremendous capabilities that the United States and Israel have to do so, together.»

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A screengrab from a video released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which accompanied a press release describing the operation dubbed Epic Fury, an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, shows smoke and dust rising following an explosion at an unknown location, in this image obtained from social media released Feb. 28, 2026.  (US CENTCOM via X via REUTERS )

While supporting continued military pressure, the signatories concluded that Iran’s long-term future ultimately lies with its citizens. 

«It will ultimately be up to the Iranian people to bring down the regime and enable a better future for Iran and the world,» the letter states.

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican front-runner for governor, blasted a pro-Palestinian Columbia University student group after it posted «Death to America» in Farsi following the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader.

«To the Columbia University Students and Faculty who posted ‘Death to America’ — I have one message for you — Get the f— out,» Blakeman said in a video message obtained by Fox News Digital.

The controversy quickly spilled into the race against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, with Blakeman arguing progressive leaders in New York have failed to confront what he calls rising anti-American extremism at elite universities.

Columbia University Apartheid Divest — which is not recognized by the university administration — describes itself as a coalition of student organizations that view a Palestinian state as «the vanguard for our collective liberation» and says it is a continuation of the Vietnam-era anti-war movement.

The group tweeted «Marg bar Amrika» — or «Death to America» — on Saturday after Khamenei was killed. X has since taken down the post.

The development infuriated Blakeman, who is now the top name in the GOP field following the withdrawal of Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.

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Blakeman called the situation «disgusting» in an ensuing statement and called for immediate action against the student group.

«Let’s be clear: this isn’t activism. It’s extremism and incites terror. American universities exist because of the freedoms, protections, and opportunities this country provides,» Blakeman said.

«At Columbia University, something has gone seriously wrong for many years.»

After the tweet disappeared, CUAD wrote that the social media platform forced the group to delete it to regain access to its account.

Former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei arrives to cast his vote during the 2024 presidential election. (Sobhan Farajvan/Pacific Press/LightRocket) (Sobhan Farajvan/Pacific Press/LightRocket)

«[B]ut the sentiment still stands,» they wrote, according to the New York Post, which reported the follow-up before X again deleted the post.

The group called Khamenei’s death «devastating news» and said their «hearts are with the Iranian people [who] have every right to defend [themselves] against Zionist warfare.»

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As the university ultimately reiterated that it does not recognize the organization, CUAD wrote on X that it has «no affiliation… with the fascist state functionary known as Columbia University.»

«We operate completely outside of the purview of a registered student organization and are proud not to receive any recognition from that institution,» said the group, which also organized the tent-filled anti-Israel «sit-in» protests of 2024 in part with Mahmoud Khalil.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a televised message in Tehran on June 26, 2025, following the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA) (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA)

Khalil, a Syrian-born master’s graduate of Columbia’s School of International & Public Affairs, was held by the Trump administration at an immigration facility in Louisiana in the wake of the encampment controversy until a federal judge ordered him released.

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A Columbia University statement to the Post read in part that CUAD is «illegally using the Columbia name.»

Fox News Digital reached out to the Hochul campaign for comment.

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Miles de ciudadanos estadounidenses han visto rechazadas sus solicitudes de pasaporte en 2026 debido a errores en la presentación de fotografías y el llenado del Formulario DS-11, informaron fuentes del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos. El fenómeno afecta tanto a quienes tramitan el documento por primera vez como a quienes buscan renovarlo, con consecuencias directas en los tiempos de obtención y la validez del trámite. Las autoridades federales indicaron que los errores documentales representan la principal causa de devolución inmediata, dentro de un contexto de demanda récord de pasaportes.

Según el Departamento de Estado, los requisitos para la correcta presentación de la solicitud incluyen parámetros sobre el tamaño, fondo y calidad de la fotografía, así como la obligatoriedad de completar y entregar el Formulario DS-11 siguiendo instrucciones precisas. Cualquier incumplimiento implica la anulación automática del proceso y obliga a reiniciar el procedimiento. El portal oficial del Departamento de Estado, travel.state.gov, detalla las especificaciones técnicas y administrativas vigentes.

En los últimos años, la necesidad de portar pasaporte para viajes internacionales y trámites migratorios ha generado un aumento verificable en la cantidad de solicitudes, con más de 21 millones de documentos emitidos en 2025, la cifra más alta alcanzada hasta el momento. El Departamento de Estado enfatiza que solo se aceptan documentos originales impresos y fotografías que cumplan exactamente los lineamientos establecidos, excluyendo formatos digitales o impresiones fuera de norma.

El Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos señala que los principales motivos de rechazo inmediato están vinculados a errores recurrentes en la presentación de fotografías y el llenado del formulario DS-11:

• Fotografías fuera de especificación: La foto debe ser a color, tomada en los últimos seis meses, de 2×2 pulgadas (51×51 mm), con fondo blanco o blanco hueso, expresión facial neutral, sin lentes ni prendas que oculten el rostro, salvo justificación religiosa o médica acreditada. El uso de uniformes o camuflaje solo se permite por motivos religiosos, con respaldo documental, según el portal oficial del Departamento de Estado, travel.state.gov.
• Formulario DS-11 incorrecto o mal completado: Debe llenarse exclusivamente en inglés, sin tachaduras ni marcas adicionales, impreso a una sola cara en papel tamaño carta (21,5×28 cm), en orientación vertical. La firma solo se realiza ante el agente autorizado; cualquier error en la impresión, orientación, impresión a doble cara o firma anticipada ocasiona la devolución inmediata de la solicitud, de acuerdo con DS-11 Form.
• Documentación incompleta o no válida: Se requiere comprobante original de ciudadanía estadounidense (certificado de nacimiento, naturalización o ciudadanía, pasaporte anterior válido, o reporte consular de nacimiento) e identificación con fotografía vigente y fotocopia de ambos lados. Usar copias digitales, fotografías de los documentos o certificados vencidos conduce al rechazo, según FAQs travel.state.gov.
• Omisión del número de Seguro Social: La falta de este dato puede derivar en multas y rechazo de la solicitud, conforme al portal oficial del Departamento de Estado, travel.state.gov.

La autoridad federal advierte: “Todas las solicitudes incompletas o incorrectas se devuelven sin excepción”, y que el cumplimiento de los lineamientos es indispensable para avanzar en el trámite.

Para obtener el pasaporte estadounidense, el proceso exige presentar personalmente los siguientes elementos, según la guía oficial del Departamento de Estado:

• Prueba de ciudadanía: certificado de nacimiento, naturalización o ciudadanía, pasaporte anterior válido o reporte consular de nacimiento.
• Identificación con fotografía: licencia de conducir, identificación estatal o militar vigente y una fotocopia legible de ambos lados.
• Formulario DS-11: completado en línea o impreso, a una sola cara, en papel tamaño carta, en inglés y sin firma previa.
• Fotografía reciente: a color, tamaño 2×2 pulgadas (51×51 mm), fondo blanco, expresión facial neutral, tomada en los últimos seis meses, sin lentes ni prendas que cubran el rostro.
• Número de Seguro Social: requisito obligatorio para procesar la solicitud.
• Pago de tarifas: según el tipo de documento y modalidad de entrega.

El trámite debe realizarse de forma presencial en una oficina de correos autorizada, tribunal federal o agencia de pasaportes. El Departamento de Estado aclara: “No se aceptan documentos digitales, impresiones borrosas ni copias no certificadas”, de acuerdo con el portal oficial del Departamento de Estado, travel.state.gov.

El Departamento de Estado publicó la tabla oficial de tarifas para 2026. Los valores vigentes son:

• Libreta de pasaporte: solicitud USD130, tarifa de aceptación USD 35, total USD 165.
• Tarjeta de pasaporte: solicitud USD 30, tarifa de aceptación USD 35, total USD65.
• Libreta y tarjeta: solicitud US$160, tarifa de aceptación USD 35, total USD195.
• Servicio acelerado: USD 60 adicionales.
• Envío rápido: USD 22,50 adicionales.

Las tarifas se abonan por separado: una parte al Departamento de Estado y otra a la oficina receptora. La forma de pago varía según la sede, aunque en general no se aceptan tarjetas de crédito ni efectivo para la tarifa principal, según Passport Fees.

En 2026, el Departamento de Estado reforzó la prohibición de presentar certificados de ciudadanía en formato digital y la exclusión de fotografías alteradas digitalmente o editadas con filtros. Además, la entidad recordó que la firma del Formulario DS-11 únicamente es válida si se realiza ante el agente autorizado; cualquier documento firmado antes de ese momento será invalidado.

La agencia recalca: “El cumplimiento de los requisitos es indispensable para evitar retrasos o rechazos”. Voceros institucionales citados por la agencia de noticias Reuters confirmaron que los rechazos por errores de formato y fotografía han aumentado en paralelo al crecimiento de la demanda de pasaportes.

Si la solicitud es rechazada, el interesado debe iniciar nuevamente el proceso, reunir toda la documentación desde el inicio y volver a abonar las tarifas correspondientes. El Departamento de Estado no contempla reembolsos por errores en la presentación de formularios o fotografías.

Para quienes requieren tramitación urgente, existen servicios acelerados y envío exprés con el pago de tarifas adicionales. No obstante, los estándares y requisitos permanecen inalterados. La autoridad federal recomienda consultar exclusivamente las guías y formularios oficiales publicados en el portal oficial del Departamento de Estado, travel.state.gov, para evitar fraudes y demoras.

Toda la información, formularios descargables y guías actualizadas se encuentran en el portal oficial del Departamento de Estado, travel.state.gov. Las oficinas de correos, tribunales federales y agencias de pasaportes autorizadas ofrecen atención y orientación directa. El organismo subraya que solo la información difundida por sus canales oficiales debe considerarse válida para la gestión del documento.

El rechazo de solicitudes por errores documentales genera demoras, costos adicionales y la imposibilidad de realizar trámites migratorios, viajes internacionales y acceder a servicios consulares. El Departamento de Estado reiteró: “No se aceptan excepciones ni dispensas” ante el incumplimiento de los requisitos publicados, debido a normas regulatorias que buscan garantizar la autenticidad y validez de los documentos; por ello, recomienda a todos los solicitantes revisar cuidadosamente los lineamientos antes de iniciar el procedimiento.