Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., stated Sunday that upcoming U.S. military operations will systematically dismantle Iran’s missile stockpiles, launchers, and manufacturing facilities to neutralize Tehran’s capacity to threaten American troops, Israel, and regional allies.
During a CNN “State of the Union” interview, Cotton emphasized that Iran possesses “thousands and thousands of missiles,” asserting U.S. actions would specifically degrade this capability. He noted: “We’ve always said Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. They also can’t be allowed to have a vast missile arsenal, and that’s exactly what they have—thousands and thousands of missiles, much more than the United States and Israel have in missile defense combined.”
Cotton explained the operations would target Iran’s entire missile infrastructure: “What the American people will see in the days ahead will be a methodical and systematic focus on Iran’s missiles, its missile launchers, and ultimately its missile manufacturing capability so they can’t continue to threaten our troops, Israel, and our other friends.”
In a CBS “Face the Nation” appearance, Cotton described President Donald Trump’s directive for an “extended air and naval campaign” aimed at “setting back Iran’s nuclear ambitions” and destroying its missile arsenal. He clarified there is “no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside Iran,” though he acknowledged risks such as aircraft being shot down and confirmed U.S. combat search and rescue assets are prepared to recover personnel in the region.
When pressed about reports indicating U.S. intelligence had knowledge of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s location, Cotton stated: “I can’t confirm anything about the intelligence that the United States intelligence community collects.” He added the operation relied on intelligence gathered by Israel and the U.S.
The remarks followed Iran’s retaliatory strikes after U.S. and Israeli attacks killed Khamenei and other senior officials. An Iranian missile struck Beit Shemesh, Israel, killing nine people per Magen David Adom ambulance service reports. Retaliatory strikes also impacted the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage and four individuals were injured. A drone was intercepted near Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel, triggering a small fire contained by civil defense crews.
On Iran’s leadership transition, Cotton noted: “I don’t think anyone can give you a simple answer.” He described ongoing internal deliberations within Iran as it navigates its political structure and added: “President Trump has said, ‘Help is on the way.’ As we focus on Iran’s missiles and their missile launchers and manufacturing capability—and on their pillars of power—we are hopefully going to degrade the regime’s ability to oppress its own people.”
By Jim Thomas
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana who holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a law degree from U.I.C. Law School. He has practiced law for more than 20 years.
