View the full interview HERE.
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss the ongoing attacks between Israel and Iran. He reaffirmed America’s support for Israel and its right to defend itself, emphasized the need to prevent a broader regional war, and noted that Iran should not retaliate against U.S. forces or interests.
Key Excerpts:
On Israel’s continued right to defend itself:
[…] I think Israel has a right to defend itself, and I support what Israel is doing to defend itself. Israel clearly made the calculus that a moment when Iran has been weakened by the incapacity of its militia, of Hezbollah and its other actors, the state sponsored terrorism that it engaged in once it’s been weakened, I think they found this the opportune moment to go after a nuclear program that was coming closer and closer to fruition. So, I support those actions, and I support the administration’s actions in helping Israel defend itself.
On whether the U.S. should directly engage with Iran:
[…] In terms of whether the administration should go further and engage in direct hostilities against Iran, that’s not something I support. Now, I have to caveat that by saying I have not been able to get recently an intelligence briefing on whether Iran is trying to break out to get a bomb. But I think the United States should be very loath to engage in another war after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and there should be a very high hurdle to get over before essentially going to direct war with Iran. So, support, defensive support for Israel, yes. In the absence, in my view, of seeing more compelling evidence that this is in the imminent national security needs of the United States, I wouldn’t go beyond defensive support. But I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help Israel protect itself against these incoming missiles, projectiles, drones, and other attacks.
On the U.S. response if Iran were to target U.S. personnel or interests:
[…] If Iran attacks the United States, when the administration has made it very clear that we have not been part of the offensive operations against Iran. If they should respond by attacking us, then we should respond by defending ourselves. And then I think Iran opens itself up to potential attacks on Fordow or elsewhere. So, I second the President’s statement that Iran must not attack the United States, our forces, our people, or our interests.
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