Josh Hawley says ‘time to declare victory’ in Iran war: ‘We have destroyed their nuclear program’

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Josh Hawley said that the US should consider declaring victory and ending its military operation against Iran because it has already met its main goals.

During an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters, the Republican from Missouri said that the United States should avoid a long war and instead work to end the current phase of the military campaign.

Josh Hawley warns US against prolonged Iran war

Watters asked the senator about Sen Mark Kelly’s (D-AZ) remark that the war was “not going well” for the Trump administration, a point Hawley vehemently disagreed with.

“If you look at our overriding priority here, which is to deny nukes to these crazy people, how can you look at what’s happened in the last year?” said Hawley.

During the interview, Hawley said the US military had already achieved its strategic objectives and cautioned against expanding the mission beyond its original scope.

The senator said that Washington should not turn the operation into a long-term war because that could lead to the US getting involved in another expensive conflict in the Middle East.

“This has been absolutely amazing. It’s been astounding, historic. Now it’s time to declare victory.”

Josh Hawley says Trump achieved objectives in Iran

When asked by the host whether Trump would look to end the operation or continue it, the senator claimed there was little left to do in Iran.

“I think that he’s achieved his objectives the way he’s laid them out. You just put it beautifully, Jesse. What is there really that’s left to do that we haven’t already done?” he said.

“We have demonstrated to the world and anybody who’s watching, by the way, that we have overwhelming military superiority, and we know how to use it. We have totally destroyed forever their nuclear program.”

According to Hawley, the administration’s goal should be to complete the mission and then move toward ending active combat operations rather than committing additional forces.

“I thought the president’s remarks last night that he could declare victory today, and it would be a 100% victory, I think is true. I think we ought to say to our heroes, thank you for a job well done.”

His comments reflect broader concerns among some lawmakers that the conflict could evolve into a longer military engagement if clear limits are not established.

He reiterated that the objectives of the war have been achieved.

“I think we should be hailing our military as the heroes they are. We ought to be thanking them for their service, and we ought to be saying we’ve achieved our objectives here big time.”