Bipartisan Lawmakers Warn of Regional Threats and Nuclear Ambitions Amid Iran Tensions
Regional Lawmakers Warn of Iran's Threat, Expressing Concern Cautiously as Allies Ponder Regime Change
In an exclusive interview with Digital, Representatives Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) shared their concerns about the dangerous situation unfolding in the Middle East, particularly during their recent visit to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
These Iran hawks have been monitoring the deteriorating situation on the ground. "We've witnessed a noticeable escalation, particularly fueled by Iran's aggressive actions threatening the entire region," said Nunn, who also serves as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and conducted intelligence-reconnaissance missions in Russia and China.
Nunn is leading the Iranian Maximum Pressure Campaign Act, a comprehensive bill consisting of 47 provisions designed to give President Donald Trump leverage over Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. General Erik "Gorilla" Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, shares Nunn's concerns about the threat posed by a nuclear Iran and has earned Nunn's full support.
The UAE and other Gulf states see Iran as the "greatest existential threat" to Middle Eastern peace, given their shared history and the dangers of a regional conflict, said Nunn, a veteran of the War on Terror. He aims to minimize the possibility of U.S. service members being drawn into combat, with 40,000 troops already stationed in the region in non-combat roles, at risk of Iranian aggression.
Nunn warned of the potential for Iranian proxies already within the U.S. borders, citing reports of a planned assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. He stressed the importance of bipartisan unity in addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions, noting, "We may not agree on every issue, but we stand united with Middle Eastern allies."
Panetta, son of the former CIA Director Leon Panetta, echoed Nunn's concerns, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and de-escalation. "The Arab partners and Israel want to work together in deterring Iran, but the U.S. should not act as a global policeman. Our role is to provide necessary capabilities and help deter the unchecked expansion of Iran's nuclear program."
Panetta expressed hope that their visit would strengthen support for the Abraham Accords — historic peace agreements brokered by former President Donald Trump between Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco. He believes that collaboration between these countries could pave the way for a more peaceful and stable Middle East.
Despite the visit's unexpected changes due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, Panetta remains confident in the message delivered to regional leaders. "Regardless of politics, we are united in our hopes for a non-nuclear Iran and a stable Middle East, free from the threats posed by Iran's actions."
Charles Creitz, a reporter for Digital, conducted the interview. He emphasis the importance of these bipartisan issues, including Iran's nuclear capabilities, "forever wars," and Israel's right to self-defense, as critical areas where lawmakers can work together to find solutions.
In the discussions regarding the Middle East's precarious state, Representatives Zach Nunn and Jimmy Panetta expressed shared concerns about the potential escalation of war-and-conflicts, particularly the threat of a nuclear Iran. Nunn, as part of the Iranian Maximum Pressure Campaign Act, aims to address Iran's nuclear ambitions through a bipartisan approach, emphasizing the need for unity with Middle Eastern allies in the pursuit of politics that reduces the possibility of further conflicts.
