Senator John Thune, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator John Thune, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate regarding recent Israeli airstrikes in Iran, highlighting ongoing tensions and security concerns in the Middle East.
In his remarks, Thune referenced longstanding threats from Iranian leadership against Israel and detailed Iran's role in supporting groups that destabilize the region. He stated, “Mr. President, for far too long, the mullahs in Iran have publicly aspired to wipe Israel off the face of the map.
“And for decades, they have fomented a campaign of terror throughout the Middle East, threatening Israel and innocents everywhere and destabilizing the entire region.
“It was Hamas who killed more than a thousand Israelis on October 7, 2023, but it was Iran who made that attack possible, through years of funding, training, and weaponry provided to this terrorist organization.”
Thune noted that Israel conducted strikes early Friday morning targeting several sites within Iran linked to its nuclear program. He continued: “Mr. President, in the early hours of Friday morning, Israel struck back, attacking a number of sites in Iran, including sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program.
“I spoke with the Israeli ambassador on Friday and assured him of my prayers for Israel’s safety during this time – and my hope that their operations, and any to come, will succeed in eliminating the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran and ultimately help bring peace to a region that has for far too long been at war.”
He clarified that while U.S. forces are not participating directly in offensive actions against Iran, American military personnel have assisted with defense efforts against missile attacks aimed at Israel. Thune said: “While the U.S. military is not involved in offensive operations against Iran, U.S. forces on land, at sea, and in the air have helped defend Israel from indiscriminate missile attacks launched by Iran.”
Thune reaffirmed America’s commitment to its ally: “President Trump and our country remain steadfast in our defense of Israel and committed to working toward peace in the Middle East and, first and foremost, for the safety of American personnel stationed in the region.
“And should Iran have any designs on Americans, I urge the mullahs to think long and hard about the consequences.”
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