Sen. Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has issued a stark warning to Iran to dismantle its nuclear program after U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities, which he claimed have severely damaged critical infrastructure. In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” Cotton emphasized that President Trump is not bluffing and that Iran must take the warning seriously to avoid further escalations.
The United States has taken direct action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, deploying multiple “bunker-buster” bombs and firing dozens of missiles at key sites. This marks a significant escalation in the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S., with Iran condemning the strikes as a crossing of a “very big red, line.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the U.S. is solely responsible for the consequences of its “act of aggression” and plans to meet with Russia to discuss a coordinated response.
Cotton’s comments highlight growing concerns among U.S. lawmakers about the potential for further conflict. He warned that while the U.S. has not targeted Iran’s leadership or energy infrastructure, there are still numerous targets that Iran holds dear. “My message to the supreme leader is: Look at the lessons of history. Do not — do not tempt fate. Do not target Americans,” Cotton said.
The situation has sparked divisions within political parties, with Democrats and Republicans split on how to approach the crisis. Some lawmakers argue that diplomatic efforts should be prioritized, while others feel the U.S. must take a harder line against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely to see how the conflict will unfold.