Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) forcefully criticized the prospect of a renewed agreement with Iran, describing the Islamic Republic as a “cancer” and arguing that only strength can deter its nuclear ambitions.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran, Fetterman questioned how the United States could permit Iran to move closer to a nuclear weapon. “How could you allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb? Now, people have always said that. Well, you know, [President Donald Trump] actually did something to actually prevent Iran from doing that,” said Fetterman.

He pointed to reports about Iran’s uranium stockpile and suggested military action may be warranted. “If they have 900 pounds of near weapons-grade uranium why wouldn’t you strike that? Why wouldn’t you hold them accountable that way? And now here we are again, and now we’ve demonstrated that’s the only thing Iran ever responds to is strength and power,” he continued.

Fetterman went further, expressing doubt that diplomacy alone would succeed and suggesting additional military measures could be necessary. He said the United States would likely have to strike again “because I don’t think you can’t really trust and negotiate with them. You can’t negotiate with cancer. You have to attack it and go right at it with superior force.”

His remarks come as the United States engages in diplomatic discussions with Iran, while at the same time increasing its military footprint in the Middle East in case negotiations collapse. President Donald Trump has ordered additional forces into the region as talks proceed.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the President is considering a limited, initial military strike intended to pressure Iran into complying with U.S. demands on a nuclear agreement.

According to the report, such a step would aim to compel Tehran to negotiate seriously without escalating into a broader war that could trigger significant retaliation.

Earlier Thursday, Trump cautioned that failure to reach a nuclear agreement would carry consequences, warning that “bad things” will happen if Iran does not come to terms.

At the same time, the President indicated that diplomatic efforts are progressing but emphasized that any accord must be substantial. “Now, we may have to take it a step further – or we may not. Maybe we’re going to make a deal. You’re going to be finding out over the next, probably 10 days,” Trump added.

Fetterman, who has emerged as one of Israel’s most outspoken supporters within the Democratic Party, recently reiterated his backing for the Jewish state during an interview with i24NEWS.

{Matzav.com}