Sen. Pete Ricketts says Trump should keep negotiating with Iran but have military options

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKM) — Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska shared his views of what America’s involvement in the Middle East conflict should look like in a Wednesday press conference.

The senator emphasized the importance of Iran not obtaining nuclear weapons.

Ricketts said Israel’s actions are a result of Iran not meeting the deadline to dismantle its nuclear program, adding the best course is to let Israel keep attacking Iran to end its nuclear ambitions.

He added that he supports President Donald Trump’s approach to negotiations with Iran and that he should be given time to work out a deal.

But he said if the Iranians aren’t “coming to the table,” then Trump may have to order military strikes.

“It needs to be at his discretion,” Ricketts said. “And it needs to be a surprise — the way that Israel’s attack was — to be able to make sure it’s as effective as possible at the reducing risk to American lives.”

Ricketts said if the current Iranian government can reach a deal in dismantling any nuclear weapons, he would not suggest a change in the regime.