Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton emphasized the need for the United States to be ready for potential retaliation from Iran following recent strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. In an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” Cotton highlighted the historical threats posed by Iran, referencing previous attacks on American interests, including the Marine barracks in Beirut and embassies in various countries.
Cotton noted that the strikes conducted on Saturday night were considered a significant military achievement, with President Trump declaring them a “spectacular military success.” The senator remarked that the full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was still being assessed but asserted that the action had severely crippled Iran’s capabilities.
During the discussion, Cotton conveyed a message to Iran’s leadership, stressing the importance of pursuing peace instead of military confrontation. He also clarified that the US’s current military objectives do not include regime change in Iran, contrasting with his past statements where he supported such a policy. Cotton clarified that the aim is to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapons program, not to initiate ground troop invasions or destabilizing the Iranian government.
Cotton’s comments about avoiding regime change echo a broader strategy focused on dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities while leaving the country’s leadership intact, as long as it does not threaten Americans. He urged the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to recognize the seriousness of the situation and warned against further attacks on American citizens.
This situation demonstrates the delicate balance between addressing threats posed by Iran and attempting to initiate a dialogue for peace. The hope remains that diplomatic efforts can be foundational in de-escalating tensions and promoting stability in the region.