Rep. Jim Himes, the rating Democrat on the Home Intelligence Committee, mentioned it was too early to know the success of a sequence of U.S. assaults in opposition to Iran — calling the strikes a “huge gamble” on the a part of President Donald Trump and citing previous U.S. navy motion within the area.
“I imply, we have seen this film earlier than. Each battle within the Center East has its Senator Tom Cotton who promised us mushroom clouds. Within the Iraq conflict, it was Condoleezza Rice promising us a mushroom cloud. And initially — and that is true of each certainly one of these wars — in Libya, in Iraq — in Iraq and Afghanistan, initially, issues look fairly good. Saddam Hussein is gone. Moammar Gadhafi is gone. The Afghan Taliban are gone. After which over time, we begin to be taught what the associated fee is. 4 thousand 4 hundred People useless in Iraq. The Taliban again in energy,” Himes instructed ABC Information’ “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl.
Himes famous that it’s too quickly to name the assaults on Iran’s nuclear services a hit and cautioned in opposition to applauding them.
“However backside line is we do not know, and should you take a look at the three conflicts I simply talked about, I might preserve the optimism underneath the hat for a short time but,” he added.
Rep. Jim Himes speaks with ABC Information whereas showing on This Week, June 22, 2025.
ABC Information
Himes additionally mentioned that he was “disturbed” by the truth that the strikes have been undertaken with out the approval of Congress, which holds the only real authority to declare conflict.
“There’s not a lot ambiguity within the Structure about who will get to approve these items,” Himes mentioned.
Listed here are extra highlights from Himes’ interview:
Himes on Trump critics supporting Saturday’s strikes
Karl: However a few of the president’s critics have really applauded the motion final night time. Let me learn you what Adam Kinzinger — clearly no good friend of the president — needed to say. He mentioned, “The U.S. assault on the nuclear services for my part was the best name. We’ll see what the outcomes are, however now, the important thing — however now, the bottom line is suppressing surface-to-surface missile fireplace and negotiate an finish to the struggle with Iran. Good name by the president.” Is it doable that this finally ends up being simply that, a great name by President Trump?
Himes: Is it doable? Once more, setting apart the constitutional points which we must always by no means put aside as a result of the Structure issues, is there some probability that, you realize, we obtained all of the nuclear materials, the regime falls, and you realize, subsequent spring, we’re picnicking at Summer time Con? Yeah, there’s some probability that that’s true. However should you take a look at the historical past — and once more, all now we have is historical past to go on — should you take a look at the historical past of our navy involvements within the area, they virtually by no means finish with the best-case situation. In truth, they often finish in one thing approximating the worst-case situation.
On the worst-case situation in Iran
Karl: And what do you suppose is the worst-case situation?
Himes: Oh, nicely, the worst-case situation is that, you realize, the Iranians have much more missiles than we predict they do, and we find yourself with useless troopers and sailors within the area, that they managed to maneuver the nuclear materials out of Fordo, and it is sitting in a warehouse proper now. And as we communicate, they’re constructing a tool. I imply, imagine me, I’ll concede that there’s some small probability for a best-case situation right here, there all the time is. However once more, historical past suggests that you simply higher be nicely — you realize, conscious of the truth that the best-case situation virtually by no means occurs. So, I imply, you possibly can paint a really apocalyptic image of any variety of a dozen.
