Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts told C14’s Libi Alon that the U.S. strikes on Iran ordered by President Donald Trump have “changed the political order” of the Middle East. In an interview ahead of his first visit to Israel in October, Roberts also discussed the future of relations between Jerusalem and Washington, the rise of Jew-hatred in the United States, the midterm elections and the Trump administration’s domestic policies.
Roberts, who has served as president of the Washington-based conservative think tank since 2021, voiced support for Trump’s decision to strike Iran. He said he was “grateful” that the president ordered the operation and “hopeful and prayerful” that the conflict would end “peacefully and quickly.” Roberts argued that the strikes have had consequences reaching far beyond the battlefield, saying the war “changed the political order” of the Middle East. Citing assessments from colleagues specializing in military affairs, Roberts said the strikes had set Iran’s military program back by 15 to 20 years.
In October, Roberts is expected to make his first visit to Israel to participate in the National Conservatism Conference in Jerusalem. Yoram Hazony, a member of the Heritage Foundation’s board of trustees, is also involved in organizing the event. Roberts said the trip carries three meanings for him: It will mark his first visit to the Middle East, serve as a personal journey to the Holy Land because of his Christian faith, and provide an opportunity in Jerusalem to discuss “the future of the relationship between America and Israel.”
He said he is optimistic about the future of ties between the two countries.
Another issue raised during the interview was the increase in Jew-hatred in the United States following the October 7 massacre.
Roberts pointed to the Heritage Foundation’s “Project Esther,” led by Dr. Victoria Coates, saying the initiative was expanded in response to the increase in Jew-hatred since the massacre.
He argued that the phenomenon is more pronounced “on the American left,” while stressing that it is not confined to one political camp and acknowledging that it has also emerged in “parts … of the right.”
Roberts was also asked about claims that he had defended conservative commentator Tucker Carlson amid accusations concerning Jew-hatred. Rather than addressing Carlson directly by name, Roberts explained the principle guiding Heritage, saying the foundation supports “open and engaged discussion” rather than attempts to prevent conversations about controversial subjects. He argued that publicly confronting Jew-hating statements is “the only way … to highlight the evil” contained within them.
Roberts also addressed the war’s impact on American politics ahead of November’s midterm elections. He said the conflict currently represents “a burden on the midterms,” but predicted that Trump could arrive at the Republican convention in Dallas and present his handling of Iran as “a great accomplishment.” Despite the challenges, Roberts predicted a conservative victory in November. Among other factors, he pointed to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s fundraising, which he said has reached approximately $400 million.
The interview also touched on U.S. domestic policy, where Roberts cited Israel as a positive example. He referenced a Heritage Foundation family-policy paper published in January that presented Israel as “the best example” of government policies encouraging marriage and childbirth. Roberts also discussed reductions in the federal workforce, claiming that approximately 400,000 employees have left the federal government since Trump took office.
Roberts was also asked about the possibility of Trump seeking a third White House term in 2028. He acknowledged that the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms. Then, smiling, he added: “But he can win again.”
Roberts has led the Heritage Foundation, one of Washington’s most prominent conservative think tanks, since 2021. His position has made him a prominent figure in debates over the future of the American conservative movement and government policy. His planned October trip will mark his first visit to both Israel and the Middle East, centered around his participation in the National Conservatism Conference in Jerusalem.