U.S. Senator Steve Daines discussed the ongoing Iran war and the United States’ approach during an interview with Stuart Varney on Fox Business, according to a June 2 appearance.
Daines said, “Well, first of all, one of the best decisions President Trump made was to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. I think he’s one of the best secretaries we’ve had in our nation’s history. And Marco Rubio is not afraid to wade in to solve some of the toughest problems the world faces. And certainly, what’s happening right now in Iran is one of those. President Trump and Marco Rubio are working to end a 47-year war that Iran has waged against the United States and the Western world.” He added that destabilizing forces such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis are funded by Iran.
Daines also addressed Iranian influence in regional conflicts: “Iran sends Hezbollah a billion dollars a year, Hamas, over $100 million a year. The Houthis, millions of dollars a year. And they are all proxies of this Iranian regime.” He continued by envisioning change: “Imagine a world… where the regime has changed in Iran because the people of Iran rise up and change it. An Iran that seeks peace… It would be an absolute game changer for the Middle East.” Daines said he is proud of efforts by President Trump and Secretary Rubio toward resolving these issues.
Regarding current progress in negotiations with Iran, Daines said, “Well, the Iranians aren’t winning. We are winning at the moment… There’s only one thing the Iranian regime respects, and that is strength. It is peace through strength.” He credited recent military operations for bringing Iran to negotiations but emphasized completion: “But we need to finish the job. We need to get this done.” On ending hostilities he stated: “It would be opening the Strait of Hormuz and a complete surrender by this regime. That would finish the job…”
Daines concluded his remarks saying both President Trump and Secretary Rubio want resolution quickly: “They both want to see this finished as quickly as possible… I know he’s working virtually 24-7 to solve perhaps one of the toughest problems on the planet.”
Daines serves as U.S. senator representing Montana with experience from both public service and private sector roles; he focuses on public safety for Indian nations in Montana, supports economic opportunities across energy, mining and forestry sectors through committee work promoting pro-growth tax policies and sustainable forest management; maintains deep roots as a fifth-generation Montanan; assists constituents with federal matters; represents Montana statewide through multiple offices, according to his official website.
