Significant Victory Against Iran, Says Rep. Don Bacon

During an appearance on “CNN News Central” on Wednesday, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) described recent developments as a “significant” win against Iran. However, he expressed concern that without a change in administration, the U.S. might find itself collaborating with Russia and China to rebuild military strength, potentially becoming a threat in the coming years. “As long as this government remains in power, we haven’t secured a complete victory,” he remarked. “I believe we have, however, achieved an important victory,” he added, noting persistent long-term threats along with short-term challenges.

Bacon went on to highlight the success achieved in dismantling Iran’s missile production capabilities, acknowledging that while some weapons remain in their stockpiles, the capacity for further production has been severely limited. “We feel pretty good about what we’ve accomplished — we’ve set them back at least five to seven years,” he stated. Nonetheless, he cautioned that the Iranian government is still intact, which poses ongoing risks. He commented, “They need to negotiate from a position of strength, not merely advantage.” Reflecting on personal experiences from his time in the Air Force, he described the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the Ayatollahs as persistent adversaries, emphasizing that they could form stronger ties with Russia and China.

Despite celebrating the setbacks inflicted on Iran, Bacon warned that the government still maintains some power. “If we halt the conflict now, sure, we might enjoy short and medium-term tranquility. But in the long run, they remain a threat to the United States, Israel, and our neighboring countries,” he concluded.