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 be taught what the 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 services successful and cautioned in opposition to applauding them.
“However backside line is we do not know, and when you take a look at the three conflicts I simply talked about, I’d preserve the optimism beneath 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 had been undertaken with out the approval of Congress, which holds the only real authority to declare battle.
“There’s not a lot ambiguity within the Structure about who will get to approve these items,” Himes stated.
Listed here are extra highlights from Himes’ interview:
Himes on Trump critics supporting Saturday’s strikes
Karl: However among the president’s critics have truly applauded the motion final night time. 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 services in my view was the best name. We are going to see what the outcomes are, however now, the important thing — however now, the bottom line is suppressing surface-to-surface missile fireplace and negotiate an finish to the combat with Iran. Good name by the president.” Is it potential that this finally ends up being simply that, name by President Trump?
Himes: Is it potential? 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 realize, we bought all of the nuclear materials, the regime falls, and you realize, subsequent spring, we’re picnicking at Summer season Con? Yeah, there may be some likelihood that that’s true. However when you take a look at the historical past — and once more, all now we have is historical past to go on — when you take a look at the historical past of our army involvements within the area, they nearly by no means finish with the best-case state of affairs. In reality, they often finish in one thing approximating the worst-case state of affairs.
On the worst-case state of affairs in Iran
Karl: And what do you assume is the worst-case state of affairs?
Himes: Oh, nicely, the worst-case state of affairs is that, you realize, the Iranians have much more missiles than we expect 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, imagine me, I’ll concede that there’s some small likelihood for a best-case state of affairs right here, there all the time is. However once more, historical past suggests that you just higher be nicely — you realize, conscious of the truth that the best-case state of affairs nearly by no means occurs. So, I imply, you may paint a very apocalyptic image of any variety of a dozen.
