Ricketts speaks on U.S. military action against Iran

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he supports the president, saying the goal of U.S. military action against Iran is to destroy the country’s missile capabilities and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

Speaking during a media conference call Wednesday, Ricketts said the administration has outlined clear objectives for the operation.

“The objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile capacity,” Ricketts said. “That means destroying the launchers, destroying the missiles themselves in warehouses and destroying Iran’s ability to produce those missiles.”

He said the effort also includes targeting Iran’s naval capabilities to prevent the country from disrupting shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ricketts said Iran has been rapidly expanding its missile production and warned the country could eventually threaten U.S. allies and potentially the United States, acknowledging the region remains dangerous for U.S. forces.

“At the end of the day, it is still a war zone, and it’s going to be very dangerous,” Ricketts said.

Ricketts honored Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens on the Senate floor, remembering the Nebraska service member killed during Operation Epic Fury and thanking U.S. troops involved in the mission.

Ricketts said military officials have taken steps to move some personnel away from higher-risk areas but declined to provide details, citing classified briefings.

He said President Donald Trump has indicated U.S. ground troops are not planned as part of the operation.

“President Trump has been very clear he has no intention of putting boots on the ground,” Ricketts said.

Ricketts also said he plans to vote against a resolution in the U.S. Senate that would limit the president’s authority to conduct military operations related to the conflict.