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Trump hints at greater U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran conflict. Where do Iowa’s members of Congress stand?
Hinson: Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons
Jun. 18, 2025 2:46 pm, Updated: Jun. 18, 2025 4:19 pm
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Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said legislative efforts are being considered to sever Iran's financial pathways to nuclear weapons development and financial support of terrorism across the region.
A sanctions package may be developed to support President Donald Trump’s pressure strategies against Iran, Hinson told reporters Wednesday on a conference call.
Asked whether the United States should intervene amid growing signs that the U.S. could enter the conflict between Israel and Iran — after Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and that his patience with Iran has “already run out” — the Republican from Marion said it is crucial that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, and supports the president’s pressure campaign to safeguard national security and “to implement peace through strength.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia have introduced resolutions that would require Trump to get congressional approval or a formal declaration of war before U.S. forces could take direct action against Iran.
“I believe President Trump will protect our national security and our homeland from terrorist threats,” Hinson said. “He may decide to take further action to halt Iranian enrichment. I think that decision does belong to the president, but I think people are right to be worried about messy foreign entanglement.”
She said Israel has the right to defend itself, and blamed former President Joe Biden for failing to deter Iran from moving closer to enriching its nuclear supply.
“I don't think it's wise for Iran or anyone to threaten the United States, our allies or our interests. President Biden appeased Iran at every turn. Those days are over under President Trump,” Hinson said. “ … And every policy I work to support will be to hopefully continue to exude peace through deterrence and strength.”
Other members of Iowa’s congressional delegation have posted on social media in support of Trump’s approach and of Israel.
Iowa GOP U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, in a phone call Wednesday with The Gazette, said Iran is an enemy of the United States and Israel, highlighting the danger of Iran's threats against both countries. The possibility of Iran having nuclear capabilities raises concerns for American lives, he said.
While recognizing the seriousness of the threat, Grassley said he prefers negotiation over military action and believes military action should occur only if there is an immediate threat to the United States.
Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Davenport said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), that Iran is “escalating its nuclear program and fueling terror through Hamas and other proxies.”
“This is a direct threat to Israel’s existence. I stand with our ally Israel and support its right to defend itself against those who seek its destruction,” Miller-Meeks posted.
Iowa GOP Congressman Zach Nunn of Bondurant said Trump is “right to back Israel” with the goal of “crushing both Iran’s war machine and its nuclear ambitions.”
Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said on X that “a nuclear Iran is a threat to America.”
“President Trump has been crystal clear: Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon!” Ernst posted.
Iran’s supreme leader on Wednesday warned that U.S. intervention would cause "irreparable damage,“ and called Trump's call for Iran's surrender “threatening and ridiculous.”
Trump has hinted at greater American involvement, saying he wants something “much bigger” than a ceasefire. The U.S. has also sent more military aircraft and warships to the region, the Associated Press reported.
Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have raised the idea of assassinating Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Trump saying Tuesday he was “an easy target” and that the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, “at least not for now.”
Israel, which says it is trying to stop Iran from producing nuclear weapons, said it had struck uranium enrichment sites after the two countries launched another barrage of missiles at each early Wednesday.
Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com
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