U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas and the chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, issued a statement following Israel's preemptive strikes on Iran's nuclear program and military leadership.
McCaul emphasized that "President Trump gave Iran every chance to negotiate in good faith and to dismantle their nuclear program." He noted that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had clearly communicated the potential consequences if diplomacy failed. "Prime Minister Netanyahu was also clear: The alternative to diplomacy would be strikes on Iran — a message he reiterated to me when I met with him this month," McCaul stated.
The congressman expressed regret over the Iranian regime's decision not to pursue peace, saying, "Unfortunately, the regime chose not to take the path of peace — to prioritize their own interests over their people’s. They brought this calamity on themselves."
He concluded by affirming a commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons: "One thing is certain: Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon, and our world is safer for it. They would be wise to come to the table and make an agreement with President Trump while the offer still stands. If they instead choose to harm U.S. troops in the region, they will once again regret it."