Former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl calls for ‘liberation of Iran’ after US-Israel strikes

Pearl, one of the few Jewish coaches in College basketball Before his retirement in September, he appeared on social media shortly after the United States joined Israel in launching preemptive strikes against Iran on Saturday morning.

Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl during the first half of the 2025 NCAA Tournament South Regional Final against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 30, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images) (Brett Davis/Imagine Images)

“President Trump has given Iran a chance to avoid war by simply agreeing not to use nuclear weapons,” Perle wrote in a post on X. “Iran has launched mediators on other Arab countries and Israel, a huge mistake! Saudi Arabia is joining our side.”

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“Iran is the head of the snake. President Trump is the leader of the free world. Defeat evil and then peace!”

In a previous post on the X website, Pearl made a call for a “free Iran” and “real peace” in the region The Middle East.

“Lord hear our prayers, please put a guardrail on our heroic armed service as they target Iranian military and missile sites with Operation Epic Fury. Pray for the innocents. Pray for the enemy to be destroyed, a free Iran and then for true peace in the Middle East.”

Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl points to players against the Florida Gators during halftime in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. (Bob Doonan/Imagine Images)

In video statements posted on Truth Social, Trump has encouraged the Iranian people To take over their government once the United States and Israel finish “major combat operations” in Iran.

Addressing the Iranian people, he said: “The hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay protected. Do not leave your homes. The situation is very dangerous outside.” “This may be your only chance for generations. For many years, you asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president has been willing to do what I’m willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who will give you what you want.”

Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting US facilities in several countries. Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin reported that nearly 40 rockets landed in Israel. Additionally, Iran appears to have struck the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, but no casualties were reported. Griffin added that Iran has also fired missiles at Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where the United States has squadrons of advanced combat aircraft.

Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)

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Perle, an outspoken supporter of Israel since the October 7 attacks, was named chairman of the board of directors for the American Israel Education Association (USIEA) in April. At the time of the announcement, Perle said he was “proud to continue calling for greater understanding and cooperation” between the United States and Israel.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Sienkiewicz and Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

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