South Dakota leaders react to latest strikes in Iran

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Shockwaves continue to circle the globe as the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran early Saturday morning. The Israeli government and President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday night that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump claim the action was taken to prevent the Islamic Republic from gaining access to nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, back in the United States, leaders from South Dakota reacted to the military action in Iran.

Before the State of the Union this week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was kept informed by the administration as they considered US Intervention in the Middle East.

“There is a question always about whether or not, you know, what triggers the War Powers Act as the War Powers Act constitutional. You know, how much does Congress have to know and when? You know, how much does Congress have to know and when? Those are all, I think, fair questions to ask. But I do think there’s a responsibility on the part of the administration to ensure that the article one branch, the government, is informed,” Thune told Gray Media DC Bureau reporter Molly Martinez on Tuesday.

Thune continued, “Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that 535 members of Congress can get [notified], because as you probably well know, this area leaks and if you’ve got operations that are sensitive where intelligence and, you know, protecting people’s lives and information is important, then obviously that’s a different circumstance. But I think at least the level that I’m involved at, I feel like I get adequately informed.”

After Saturday morning’s strikes, Thune called Iran a “clear and unacceptable threat” and issued a statement on social media.

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies. Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats.

I thank Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week, and I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations. I commend the bravery of the servicemembers carrying out these operations and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way."

Representative Dusty Johnson agreed with Thune. The congressman took to social media with a statement of his own.

“The Iranian regime is full of theocratic thugs and is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. For decades, they have bullied America and our allies, killing thousands of innocent people and Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions are extremely concerning and President Trump has given Iran multiple opportunities to stop those ambitions and terror. Iran has refused. I’m praying for the safety of America’s servicemembers and our allies involved in Operation Epic Fury.”

But how will South Dakotans be impacted? There are thousands of South Dakotans in the military, ready to fight. In retaliation, an American base in Bahrain has already been struck by Iran. President Trump says that they will take every step to minimize risk to American soldiers.

“The Iranian regime seeks to kill,” explained Trump. “The lives of courageous Americans may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war, but we’re doing this, not for now. We’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission.”

Later on Saturday afternoon, Senator Mike Rounds offered his thoughts on the military action, agreeing with the rest of the South Dakota congressional delegation and closing his social media statement with encouragement to military personnel.

“President Trump has taken the right course of action in eliminating the Iranian regime’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

The Iranian regime has been rebuilding their nuclear facilities, as well as their air defenses. They have also continued to develop long-range ballistic missiles that create unrest throughout the Middle East. This regime appears to have no interest in stopping their terrorist activities or their ability to threaten other nations. Unfortunately, they have expressed no interest in actually finding a diplomatic solution to this conflict.

The Iranian people deserve better than the current regime, and it appears there is no other course of action except the elimination of the Khamenei regime in Iran. We should be thankful for our men and women in uniform and their ability to project power that keeps our borders safe. We will do everything we can to make sure they are the best led, the best trained and the best equipped fighting force on earth. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers."

Lastly, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden added his input with a statement.

“For nearly 40 years, Ayatollah Khomenei has tyrannized his people and spewed hatred and terrorism against America and our ally Israel. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, it appears his reign of terror is over.”

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