Thune to Iran: Negotiate Nuclear Deal or Face Consequences

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is urging Iran to rethink its strategy and return to diplomatic talks to dismantle its nuclear program, warning that the alternative could be force. In an exclusive interview, Thune emphasized that the U.S. has no desire to dive headfirst into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, but the path forward depends on Iran’s willingness to negotiate.

"It’s about stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions," Thune said, speaking from his Capitol office. "Diplomacy is the preferred route, but if they don’t play ball, force is on the table." His comments come as tensions flare in the Middle East, with Israel and Iran exchanging missile strikes for five consecutive days, including a recent Israeli operation that crippled key Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

Capitol Hill is buzzing with debate over whether the U.S. should take a more active role in the conflict. Some lawmakers push for Congress to have a say in any decision to engage militarily, while others advocate for full support of Israel to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat. Bipartisan resolutions are circulating, some demanding a congressional vote on war, others rejecting armed conflict outright.

President Donald Trump has remained coy about deploying U.S. forces, instead pressing Iran to strike a nuclear deal. On Truth Social, he boasted of U.S. dominance in Iranian airspace and hinted at knowing the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though he stopped short of threatening immediate action.

Thune, however, took a measured tone. "Iran’s leadership is rattled, their command structure in disarray," he observed. "If they’re smart, they’ll negotiate before things spiral further." He also expressed hope that internal unrest in Iran could spark a broader push for change, drawing parallels to the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

As for additional U.S. aid to Israel, Thune suggested Congress would consider it after the 2026 budget process, if needed. For now, he’s rooting for Israel’s success while hoping the U.S. can stay on the sidelines. "This isn’t just about Israel—it’s about the stability of the region and the world," he concluded.