LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

Pursuant to federal law, I expect to receive a high-level briefing on the unfolding situation in the Middle East from the administration expeditiously. However, in advance of that briefing, there are core principles that remain foundational in the Middle East theater, one of the toughest neighborhoods in the world.

Israel is an ally and has a right to exist as a Jewish and Democratic state. Our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. Iran is the largest state sponsor of terror in the world and a sworn enemy of the United States and Israel.

It is clear that the Iranian regime poses a grave threat to the entire free world. There is no circumstance where Iran can be permitted to become a nuclear power.

As soon as is practical, it is imperative to find a rigorous diplomatic path forward and avoid any situation where U.S. troops are put in harm’s way.