Iran cannot be trusted, and the U.S. is "going to have to force their hand," Rep. Sheri Biggs, R-S.C., told Newsmax on Monday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "National Report," Biggs backed President Donald Trump's handling of escalating tensions with Iran following the U.S. military's seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
Biggs said the operation showed restraint and resolve, noting that repeated warnings were issued before U.S. forces disabled the vessel.
"They tried every way to reason with them," she said, emphasizing that the administration has sought to avoid unnecessary loss of life while protecting American interests.
The South Carolina Republican argued that critics on the left are mischaracterizing the president's actions.
"The Democrats aren't going to be happy no matter what we do," Biggs said. "But the bottom line is we have to protect our homeland."
The confrontation comes amid a broader standoff between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear ambitions and its actions in the vital shipping corridor, which handles roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
According to The Associated Press, the U.S. boarding of the Iranian vessel followed hours of warnings and marked a significant escalation in efforts to enforce a naval blockade.
Biggs stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the central issue.
"As long as the Iranians have an opportunity to have nuclear weapons, that is not going to happen," she said, referring to the goal of ensuring American safety.
She also credited Trump's "peace through strength" approach, arguing that the president has combined military pressure with economic measures to push Iran toward negotiations.
"He's not just using the military; he's using other options to try to force them to the table," Biggs said.
Despite recent talk of renewed negotiations, Biggs expressed skepticism about Tehran's intentions, citing a long history of stalled or failed talks.
"Iran can say what they want, but the bottom line is we'll see through their actions," she said.
Iran has warned it could retaliate following the ship seizure, raising concerns about further instability in the region and the potential for rising energy prices worldwide.
The fragile ceasefire in the area is under strain, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Still, Biggs made clear she supports the administration's readiness to escalate if necessary.
"I know that the president is prepared to take the next step, and I fully support what he's doing to protect our citizens," she said.
As tensions continue to rise, Biggs said the U.S. must remain firm, arguing that only decisive action will bring Iran to the negotiating table and safeguard American interests at home and abroad.
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Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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