On April 22, the Nixon Library hosted a seminar titled “Iran: At a Crossroads in History.” US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was unable to attend in person, so he recorded a video message from the embassy in Jerusalem, 7,500 miles away.
Huckabee, who previously served as Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Arkansas, and ran for president in 2008 and 2016, started his term as Ambassador to Israel in April 2025. Here is a translated excerpt of his speech:
“I have visited nearly every presidential library, and each one has been inspiring. My visits to the Nixon Library have always been particularly special to me. In 1972, when President Nixon was running for re-election, I was a young coordinator in southern Arkansas, working hard to help secure his victory.”
Jerusalem is the ancient capital of the Jewish nation, a city with a rich history dating back to the times of Abraham on Mount Moriah, and the reign of King David, through the eras of the First and Second Temples. Recently, I have been fortunate to witness extraordinary chapters in world history firsthand.
During my tenure as ambassador, I have experienced five wars and a hostage release event, spending more time seeking shelter in bomb shelters than I could have ever imagined. I have had to dodge ballistic missiles and rockets from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. It has been a challenging position, living in the heart of these conflicts.
When I call on people to pray for peace in Jerusalem, it is not just a quote from the Psalms or empty rhetoric. No, my appeal comes from the heart.
Looking ahead, we hope the Iranian people can embrace a new future. If the current ceasefire agreement can evolve into a comprehensive peace treaty, and Iran can normalize relations with Israel as a sovereign state rather than resorting to terrorist activities, it would be a significant milestone.
In all honesty, the processes initiated by President Trump have not only reshaped the Middle East but also the global landscape. He has sent a clear and crucial message to allies and adversaries alike: our allies can trust us, while our adversaries should fear us.
Some things only get better with age, like meat, fine wine, and cheese, requiring time to mature. A high-quality guitar’s tone improves with years as the wood undergoes proper aging. It’s been 53 years since my first visit to Israel and 54 years since I helped Nixon’s re-election campaign. Nixon’s foresight, insight into situations, and deep understanding of the world make this library even more relevant and valuable.