Context:

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn and Jimmy Panetta conducted a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, meeting with leaders in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. They emphasized the unified stance of Arab allies against Iran's nuclear ambitions, recognizing Iran as a significant threat to regional peace. The lawmakers highlighted the importance of the U.S. in deterrence strategies, while expressing a preference for regime change in Iran to come from within rather than through external force. The visit aimed to strengthen ties with countries aligning with the Abraham Accords, despite the ongoing conflict preventing a visit to Israel. Both representatives stressed the bipartisan nature of efforts to address Iran's nuclear capabilities and expressed hope for peaceful resolution without U.S. boots on the ground.

Dive Deeper:

• Reps. Zach Nunn and Jimmy Panetta engaged in a diplomatic mission to the Middle East, discussing the threat posed by Iran with leaders in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. They observed a significant escalation in Iranian threats in the region, particularly regarding its nuclear enrichment program.

• Nunn and Panetta conveyed support for General Erik Kurilla's strategy, emphasizing the U.S.'s role in deterrence and highlighting the existential threat a nuclear-armed Iran poses to Israel and other Middle Eastern nations.

• Arab allies, recognizing the threat from Iran, are unified in their stance against its nuclear program. The representatives noted that these allies do not want a nuclear-armed Iran and prefer any change in Tehran's regime to be internally driven.

• Despite not reaching Israel due to recent conflicts, the visit successfully reinforced alliances with countries under the Abraham Accords, aiming to build a stronger regional coalition against Iran.

• Nunn and Panetta underscored the bipartisan agreement in Congress on Iran's issue, advocating for diplomatic and internal solutions over military intervention, while ensuring Israel's right to defense remains intact.

• The lawmakers warned of potential threats from Iranian proxies within U.S. borders and advocated for measures to prevent escalation into broader conflict, stressing the importance of regional stability post-regime change.

• The visit and discussions aim to have lasting impacts on the U.S.'s approach to the Middle East, focusing on diplomacy and reinforcing alliances to counter Iran's nuclear threat without resorting to warfare.