Rep. Jim Himes, the rating Democrat on the Home Intelligence Committee, stated 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. army 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 battle, it was Condoleezza Rice promising us a mushroom cloud. And initially — and that is true of each considered 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 study what the associated fee is. 4 thousand 4 hundred Individuals lifeless 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 amenities successful and cautioned in opposition to applauding them.
“However backside line is we do not know, and if you happen to have a look at the three conflicts I simply talked about, I’d hold the optimism underneath the hat for a short while but,” he added.
Rep. Jim Himes speaks with ABC Information whereas showing on This Week, June 22, 2025.
ABC Information
Himes additionally stated that he was “disturbed” by the truth that the strikes have been undertaken with out the approval of Congress, which holds the only authority to declare battle.
“There’s not a lot ambiguity within the Structure about who will get to approve this stuff,” Himes stated.
Listed below are extra highlights from Himes’ interview:
Himes on Trump critics supporting Saturday’s strikes
Karl: However among the president’s critics have really applauded the motion final evening. Let me learn you what Adam Kinzinger — clearly no pal of the president — needed to say. He stated, “The U.S. assault on the nuclear amenities for my part was the precise name. We are going to see what the outcomes are, however now, the important thing — however now, the secret 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, an excellent name by President Trump?
Himes: Is it doable? Once more, setting apart the constitutional points which we should always by no means put aside as a result of the Structure issues, is there some likelihood that, you recognize, we received all of the nuclear materials, the regime falls, and you recognize, subsequent spring, we’re picnicking at Summer season Con? Yeah, there may be some likelihood that that’s true. However if you happen to have a look at the historical past — and once more, all we’ve is historical past to go on — if you happen to have a look at the historical past of our army involvements within the area, they virtually by no means finish with the best-case situation. The truth is, they often finish in one thing approximating the worst-case situation.
On the worst-case situation in Iran
Karl: And what do you assume is the worst-case situation?
Himes: Oh, effectively, the worst-case situation is that, you recognize, the Iranians have much more missiles than we predict they do, and we find yourself with lifeless 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, consider me, I’ll concede that there’s some small likelihood for a best-case situation right here, there at all times is. However once more, historical past suggests that you just higher be effectively — you recognize, conscious of the truth that the best-case situation virtually by no means occurs. So, I imply, you’ll be able to paint a very apocalyptic image of any variety of a dozen.
