MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota’s congressional delegation is voicing support for the latest U.S. military action against Iran, as the conflict triggers renewed global tension.
In a statement, Senate Republican Leader John Thune said President Donald Trump and his administration offered the Iranian regime “diplomatic off-ramps” before launching airstrikes, citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missiles and support for terror groups.
Sen. Mike Rounds also praised the action in a post on X, saying Iran has been rebuilding nuclear facilities and continuing what he described as terrorist activity under the Khamenei regime.
Rep. Dusty Johnson, also posting on X, called Iran “the world’s largest state sponsor of terror” and criticized the country’s leadership.
The statements followed reports that a joint U.S.-Israeli strike killed Iran’s longtime supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a major operation. The Associated Press and Reuters reported Khamenei’s death and described the strikes as a major escalation in the region.
