South Dakota leaders speak on latest in the Middle East

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Since Israel’s preemptive attacks on Iran this week, Iran fought back with a barrage of missiles at several cities late Saturday. Nuclear talks between the United States and Iran have been canceled.

South Dakota leaders provided their thoughts on the conflict.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Dakota News Now on Saturday that President Trump would be “more than happy” to lead Iran peace negotiations. He joined Fox News Sunday to discuss a variety of topics, including President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ and conflict in the Middle East.

“I think President Trump is all about trying to keep America out of wars and to try to find paths toward peaceful outcomes and peaceful solutions,” Thune told Fox News. “I think he’s tried to do that with Iran. Iran has grown, I think, increasingly defiant of late in these talks, these discussions, but what this comes down to is action taken by Israel to defend themselves and their people. They view Iran’s nuclear capabilities, as do we, as a non-starter.”

South Dakota Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz told Dakota News Now on Friday that the preemptive strikes on Iran were the right thing to do. He called the success of the strikes a “miracle.”

“How amazing that was,” remarked Alperowitz. “With limited damage, they were able to strike those facilities and we pray that there would be continued miracles, that any retaliation from Iran not be harmful to Israel’s citizens and to Jewish people around the world.”

The Rabbi is aware that in the current political climate and the growing tensions of the Middle East, Israel’s actions might not be approved by everyone.

“Even if it may not be so popular always in political or diplomatic circles, if the goal is to save lives and not just receive compliments, taking a preemptive strike and acting decisively is what ultimately will save lives,” Alperowitz said. “While some in the international community may not appreciate it right now, history has shown that ultimately, they too will appreciate what Israel has done and that Israel took the initiative to act.”

Concerns grow about possible attacks on Americans during this conflict, with an alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Senator Thune responded to that threat.

“Iran should be prepared for all of America’s might to descend upon them if they go after and target Americans or American bases or installations in the Middle East,” warned Thune.

Stick with Dakota News Now on air and online for more updates on conflict in the Middle East.

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