SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – June 21, 2025 – U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today released a statement following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, reaffirming his support for President Donald Trump’s decision and expressing concern for American service members. The airstrikes, confirmed by President Trump, targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and a facility near Isfahan, in response to Iran’s continued pursuit of nuclear capabilitie
“The regime in Iran, which has committed itself to bringing ‘death to America’ and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace. The mullahs’ misguided pursuit of nuclear weapons must be stopped,” said Thune.
The strikes come as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. U.S. officials have indicated that the goal of the strikes is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Thune added, “As we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.”
The United States maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East, with approximately 40,000 to 50,000 troops stationed across various bases in the region, including in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The Department of Defense has reportedly heightened alerts for these troops and deployed additional assets to the area.
