Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has now reportedly publicly urged President Donald Trump to abandon diplomatic talks with Iran and instead take military action against the country.
As the Trump administration prepares for a second round of discussions in Rome regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Fetterman expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of negotiations.
In comments to the Washington Free Beacon, Fetterman stated, “Waste that s—t,” emphasizing his belief that negotiating with Iran, which he accuses of destabilizing the region for decades, is futile. He believes there is now a critical opportunity to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Fetterman downplayed concerns that military strikes could escalate into a broader regional conflict, dismissing the capabilities of Iran’s proxies such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
He contended that Hezbollah, often portrayed as a formidable force, is not as effective as claimed, and characterized Hamas as poorly equipped. “They’re just a bunch of tunnel rats with junkie rockets,” he said.
He also noted that the Houthi rebels in Yemen, another group the U.S. has targeted, have been significantly weakened.
The senator has garnered attention for his strong support of Israel and previously criticized the Biden administration for not sufficiently backing the country.
His remarks come amid rising tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, particularly after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018, which has led to increased uranium enrichment by Iran.
Fetterman’s call for military action reflects a hardline stance on Iran, positioning him as one of the more vocal proponents of aggressive policies in the U.S. Senate.
His comments signal a growing frustration with diplomatic efforts in the face of ongoing security concerns.
[READ MORE: Trump Sends More Troops to Middle East as War With Houthis Heats Up]