WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

“I support Israel in their efforts to defend themselves against the threat from Iran. Iran's stated foreign policy has been the destruction of Israel since the Iranian Islamic Republic was formed over 45 years ago. No other country in the world in modern history has faced a regional neighbor bent on destroying it over such a long period of time. Iran has backed terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis all of which also have the overt objective of eliminating the nation of Israel. Given this reality, Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon poses an existential threat to Israel, and Iran's recent significant increase in their uranium enrichment and pursuit of a nuclear capability left Israel with no good options.

“The United States and others should continue to pursue a diplomatic solution to ending the conflict between Israel and Iran, but that solution will require Iran to end their nuclear program and other assurances that Iran will stop their efforts to destroy Israel.”

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