Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) praised Israel’s precision strike campaign against Iran during an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity Friday night, warning Tehran that more surprises could be in store. Cotton commended Israel’s military and intelligence operations and reinforced that Iran’s threat extends beyond Israel to the United States.
Responding to Sean Hannity’s assessment of Israel’s strategic depth, Cotton said the Israeli Defense Forces, Mossad, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displayed “bravery and audacity.” He also credited President Donald Trump for maintaining a consistent stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and for standing firmly with Israel over the past decade.
“It’s clear that Israel had more than a few tricks up their sleeve,” Cotton said, referencing prior Israeli operations such as one where remote beepers were detonated inside Hezbollah’s leadership ranks. Cotton emphasized that the Iranian regime likely has more to fear, suggesting further tactical surprises may be forthcoming.
The senator contrasted the precision of Israel’s strikes—targeting Iranian nuclear sites, missile systems, and military leaders in residential towers—with Iran’s indiscriminate missile attacks on Israeli civilians. “Iran targets Israel with indiscriminate missile fires into civilian neighborhoods,” Cotton said, highlighting the asymmetric nature of the conflict.
He pointed to reports that Iranian generals were staying in luxury penthouses, describing it as evidence of the regime’s corruption. “It goes to show you how corrupt the regime is, not just evil,” he said.
Cotton warned that Iran’s aggression, including missile development capable of reaching the U.S., proves it is not just an Israeli problem. “They chant death to Israel. They chant death to America,” he said, adding that Iran’s ambitions pose a direct threat to U.S. national security.
As tensions continue to escalate, Cotton’s remarks signal Republican backing for Israel’s right to defend itself with decisive military action, while underscoring the broader implications of a nuclear-armed Iran.
