Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., told Newsmax on Sunday that he knows firsthand the damage Iran has done to the rest of the world.
"This is not the first casualties Iran has inflicted on the U.S. or the Western world," Zinke said. "I've lost a lot of friends on the battlefield because of Iran. We have Iran supporting Hezbollah and Hamas. Over 2,000 Israeli citizens were murdered by Hamas."
"The world is a lot safer without Khamenei and his disciples of evil," Zinke added. "This is a great opportunity for the Iranian people that are very, very smart to rise and control their own destiny. Can you imagine a world without Khamenei or the Middle East, without a radical Islamic regime?"
"I'm very bullish on the Middle East," Zinke continued. "The Middle East, because of President Trump's actions, is going to enter a golden period of prosperity. Thank you, Donald J. Trump."
Zinke praised Trump for telling the Iranian people that America stands with them.
"I have to commend the president," Zinke said. "I can't think of another president that had the courage and the resolve to do it.
The Montana congressman said Khamenei simply should've taken the deal the United States was offering.
"He didn't and that had consequences," Khamenei said. "And Bravo Zulu, President Donald Trump for taking action."
Zinke said the next phase is critical as Iran is set to lose its military capability.
"I'm bullish that I think the Iranian people will rise up and shape their destiny," Zinke said.
As the War Powers Act is set to be debated in Congress, Zinke said he work to will ensure Democrats do not handcuff Trump's ability to defend Americans.
"There are six Navy SEALS in the House, one in the Senate, two special forces people that have served overseas in the Middle East," Zinke said. "We remember Iran well, and our friends and colleagues that didn't make it out of the country because of Iraq."
"So today, it's a celebration. I can tell you and the president again: Bravo Zulu, Donald J. Trump, for having the courage and resolve to take out a global menace," Zinke added.
"Democracy is a fragile thing," Zinke continued. "You got to earn your stripes every day. And the SEALS say you got to earn your trident every day. And I think now is a chance for Iran to earn their freedom every day."
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Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
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