STURGIS, SD – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley expressed strong support Saturday for ongoing joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing the strikes as a necessary response to nuclear ambitions and state-sponsored terrorism.
In an interview with Dean Kinney this morning on KBHB, Jackley, who is currently seeking the state’s at-large U.S. House seat, said Operation Epic Fury became a requirement after peaceful negotiations failed to ensure safety. Jackley noted that President Trump advised Congress of the necessity of a preemptive strike to address immediate threats.
“Iran’s continued nuclear ambitions, along with the support of terrorism, it just isn’t acceptable,” Jackley said. “Hopefully this operation continues successfully. We have to keep the men and women in our military in our prayers and our thoughts. They are in harm’s way.”
The Attorney General emphasized that while the current military action serves as a short-term solution to disable Iranian missile systems and naval capabilities, long-term stability in the region likely requires a change in leadership. Jackley echoed the administration’s stance that the Iranian people should take the opportunity to oppose the current regime.
“For there to bring a level of stability in Iran, it’s going to take a regime change,” Jackley said. “I think this gives the opportunity for that. These were military strikes. They’ve been successful at this point. But for the long-term look at the stability of that region, there needs to be new leadership.”
Addressing concerns from some members of Congress regarding the level of notification provided before the strikes, Jackley defended the need for operational security. He stated that while he hopes to be South Dakota’s voice in Washington, he respects the executive branch’s need for secrecy during sensitive missions.
“When you need to take immediate military action and there needs to be a level of secrecy to that, I think that’s important to keep our men and women in uniform safe,” Jackley said.
The interview also touched on the shifting landscape of the congressional race. Jackley addressed the recent news that State Senator Casey Crabtree has dropped out of the primary. Jackley said the development puts his campaign in a strong position heading toward the June primary.
“Having Casey’s support meant a lot to me,” Jackley said. “I think having his supporters hear that from him was very important. It was a good development as we move forward.”
While the international crisis remains a focal point, Jackley said his immediate focus returns to the South Dakota legislative session in Pierre. He is currently advocating for a slate of ten bills focused on public safety, including measures to address human trafficking, drug access for minors, and the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating non-consensual pornographic imagery.
One key piece of legislation Jackley expects to discuss Monday involves election integrity. The bill aims to prevent foreign national money from influencing South Dakota elections. He also plans to address the rise of Delta 9 drug products among youth and efforts to curb overdose deaths within the state prison system.
Following the conclusion of the legislative session, Jackley intends to resume campaign travels with scheduled stops in Yankton, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City.
“I’m just going to keep listening to the voters of South Dakota, what they want to see in their congressional voice,” Jackley said. “It appears now that my focus may transition a little bit to the general election in November, but it’s the same type of work.”
