A Republican on the House Armed Services Committee shared his thoughts with Fox News Digital ahead of the midterm elections regarding the Trump administration’s crucial decision on the U.S.-Iran conflict. He expressed that “merely doing enough to avoid loss, but not enough to achieve victory, can’t continue.”
Representative Pat Harrigan from North Carolina made these remarks as Vice President JD Vance assured during a Fox News town hall that Trump “won’t allow Iran to become a perpetual conflict.” Additionally, there are reports from military sources about movements in the Middle East that might provide the president with options to approve renewed actions against Iran.
“I echo the frustration many feel, including my constituents, that this war drags on. The previous administration needed to wrap it up quickly, but we’re not there yet,” Harrigan commented, currently campaigning for re-election in North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District.
“However, letting Iran develop a nuclear weapon is not an option. I think this conflict was bound to happen at some point, but the current administration must take responsibility for the outcomes, particularly in a timely manner. Otherwise, the situation could become increasingly challenging,” he added. “We’re witnessing this struggle both politically and in terms of policy.”
“While it’s crucial for the administration to conclude this situation, we are not in a perpetual war. We need to ensure the mission remains clear and we do what it takes to either achieve victory or return home,” Harrigan mentioned. “This administration has to make that binary choice.”
Furthermore, Harrigan stressed the necessity for Trump to involve Congress should he decide to escalate military action against Iran.
“Engaging Congress will help establish a long-term direction for the country, affirming and achieving our objectives. The funding aspect, as we know, falls under Congress’s purview. If there’s no budget to pursue these goals, it won’t bode well for our strategic interests,” he remarked. “In my view, both Congress and the White House should collaborate closely in making future decisions regarding this conflict.”
“We must decide whether we will take all necessary steps to win in Iran or acknowledge that a significant portion of our objectives have been met, indicating that we can claim partial success. However, long-term monitoring of their nuclear activities will still be required, and we cannot ignore that reality,” Harrigan continued, reiterating that the U.S. has prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities and disrupted their missile and drone production.
“We need to commit to one of those two paths since merely doing enough to avoid loss, without aiming for victory, is unacceptable,” he asserted. “This situation is not acceptable for our troops, the American public, or for geopolitical and economic stability. The long-term strategic interests of the United States depend on making a clear choice.”
Harrigan, a Green Beret and entrepreneur, is seeking re-election against Democratic candidate Ashley Bell, a physician associate, and Libertarian Steve Feldman, who previously ran for the same position unsuccessfully two years ago.
Harrigan emphasized to Fox News that the Republican Party’s control in the House is on the line with the upcoming elections.
“Control over 218 votes will dictate the direction of the House and its committee activities, affecting decisions related to President Trump, including the possibility of impeachment,” he stated.
He concluded by stressing the importance of the future direction of the nation, questioning whether the focus will be on past issues or toward genuinely addressing current challenges faced by the country and the global community. “This election cycle has significant implications,” he remarked.
