Sen. Joni Ernst defended ongoing U.S. military strikes against Iran, saying Tehran had been given ample opportunity to resolve tensions diplomatically before the launch of what President Donald Trump called "Operation Epic Fury."
"Let us remember that Iran was given every opportunity at the negotiating table to end this peacefully. They chose not to do that," Ernst told Newsmax TV's "Saturday Agenda."
"So now we are executing Operation Epic Fury — and epic fury it is."
The Iowa Republican said the United States and its regional partners are prepared to continue military operations until Iran is "no longer a threat" and has been "brought to its knees."
She praised Trump’s decision to authorize the strikes, calling the mission a pivotal moment with long-term global implications.
"God bless the president for executing this mission," Ernst said. "This is not just changing for today. This is world-changing for years to come. This is a generational action that will hopefully open up a new book of peace, not only for the Middle East, but for the entire world as well."
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with U.S. officials asserting that the strikes are aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and deterring further aggression.
Administration officials have maintained that the objective is to neutralize threats posed by Iran, particularly related to its nuclear ambitions and regional activities.
However, the military action has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who have raised concerns about the risk of a prolonged conflict.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that while Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, the American public is wary of becoming entangled in another extended war in the Middle East.
"Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon," Schumer said in a statement posted on social media. "But the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East."
Schumer and other Democrats have called for greater transparency from the administration regarding the scope of the operation, its legal justification, and its long-term strategy.
Ernst, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, told Newsmax she also does not "want to see endless wars as well.
"My daughter is serving active duty-Army. We don't want to engage our sons and daughters when it is unnecessary.
"But that's why President Trump has chosen these types of actions. He is striking from the air, he is striking from the sea, and we don't want to see conventional forces used. But that's why careful planning for months and months, if not years, has gone into this action today.
"We have fabulous partners, not just in Israel but other allied Arab nations. We will all be stepping up to make sure that this is a complete operation, but that it does not drag on for years and years," she added.
Some lawmakers have questioned whether Congress should have a more direct role in authorizing sustained military engagement.
Ernst said "we have known for months that this action was coming.
"The Gang of Eight was briefed on this. And so I don't think it is unconstitutional," she told Newsmax.
"I think that the president is fully operating within his rights as a president. It is not an illegal action. And you will continue to see any Democrat that is shooting for 2028 stepping up and condemning this president.
"But it absolutely was the right action to take. And I'm very proud of our president. I am so thankful that we have the great leadership of Adm. Brad Cooper, our Central Command commander, and the men and women under his command. We are so proud of our American troops in the Middle East and those that are deployed. God bless them."
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Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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