It’s been a full week since the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer, a targeted strike against three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities. The action was aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions — a threat that Heritage experts have long warned would destabilize the region and threaten U.S. and allied interests. Although we’re still awaiting a definitive assessment, it appears that the targets were successfully eliminated.
These strikes were a critical step towards preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, however, Heritage is firmly opposed to American boots on the ground in Iran. What follows must not evolve into another regime-change quagmire but rather remain focused on the President’s stated goals. Thankfully, Israel is taking the lead in this regional conflict, and American support for Israel keeps our troops out of harm's way.
Heritage is immensely thankful for the men and women in uniform who defend us every day — and who again reminded the world of the sheer power of America’s Armed Forces by flawlessly executing this unprecedented and complex operation.
>> Read more from Heritage Action President Dr. Kevin Roberts
What comes next?:
The Trump administration has been pushing for a quick end to the conflict between Israel and Iran and seems to have made significant progress. A fragile, U.S. brokered ceasefire has been in place for several days, but whether it holds remains to be seen. Domestically, the strikes have ignited talks about the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Under the law:
Congress can vote on resolutions directing the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from engaging in hostilities against Iran. The Senate voted on a resolution on Friday night, and the House could also consider a resolution in the days to come. These resolutions can move under special rules that require immediate consideration and are subject to passage by a simple majority vote.