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Previous Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl called Iran the “head of the snake” and endorsed President Donald Trump hours after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on the country.
Pearl, one of a handful of Jewish college basketball coaches before his retirement in September, took to social media shortly after the United States joined Israel in launching pre-emptive 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/Imagn Images)
“President Trump gave Iran a chance to avoid war by simply agreeing to No Nukes. Iran launched proxies against other Arab countries and Israel, huge mistake! Saudi Arabia joins our side,” Pearl wrote in a post on X.
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“Iran is the head of the serpent. President Trump is the leader of the free world. Defeat Evil and then Peace!”
In a previous post on X, Pearl called for a “free Iran” and “real peace” in the Middle East.
“Lord, hear our prayer. Please protect our heroic armed services as they target Iran’s military and missile sites with Operation Epic Fury. Pray for the innocent Pray for the destruction of the enemy, a free Iran and then for true peace in the Middle East.”
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl signals to the players against the Florida Gators during the first half of the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)
In video comments sent to Truth Social, Trump encouraged the Iranian people to take over their government once the US and Israel ended “major combat operations” in Iran.
“The hour for your freedom is near. Stay sheltered. Do not leave your home. It is very dangerous outside,” he said to the Iranian people. “This will probably be your only chance for generations. For years you’ve asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was 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. Pakinomist’ Jennifer Griffin reported that approximately 40 missiles had landed in Israel. In addition, Iran appeared to hit the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, but no casualties were reported. Iran also fired missiles at Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where the United States has squadrons of advanced fighter jets, Griffin added.
Smoke rises from reported Iranian missile strikes, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)
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Pearl, an outspoken supporter of Israel since the October 7 attacks, was named chairman of the board of the US Israel Education Association (USIEA) in April. At the time of the announcement, Pearl said he was “proud to continue to advocate for greater understanding and cooperation” between the United States and Israel.
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