Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., on Thursday on Newsmax defended President Donald Trump's handling of Iran, saying critics should acknowledge what he described as military gains against Tehran and a diplomatic agreement that reopened the Strait of Hormuz while leaving the United States prepared to act again if Iran violates its commitments.
The Wisconsin Republican made the comments on "Ed Henry: The Big Take" when asked why some of Trump's critics, including Republicans, have not credited the president for reaching a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
"I would just caution people, if you refuse to acknowledge reality, you do that at your own peril," Johnson said.
Johnson said Trump had been "very, very realistic" about Iran and argued that previous presidents warned that Tehran could not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon but did not take sufficient action.
"He was the only president, even though they all said, you can never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, to do something about it," Johnson said.
Johnson said U.S. actions had "dramatically degraded" Iran's nuclear capability, missile and drone programs, manufacturing capacity and navy.
But he acknowledged the agreement did not deliver everything the United States sought.
"The other side has a say in this," Johnson said. "I never thought this would be easy."
The senator described Iran's clerical leaders as entrenched adversaries and said they had been preparing for confrontation with the United States for decades.
He said one hope of weakening the regime was that it could create an opportunity for the Iranian people to challenge those in power.
Johnson also used the moment to defend gun rights, arguing that armed citizens are better positioned to resist authoritarian rule. He said Iran showed why "gun control and disarming the citizenry" can leave "brutal tyrants in charge."
Johnson said he was disappointed that Iran's ruling regime remained in power but argued that reopening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting global economic damage were significant developments.
"I didn't like the Strait of Hormuz closed," he said. "I didn't like the economic damage it was doing worldwide."
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for global energy supplies, and disruptions there can quickly affect oil markets and broader economic conditions.
Johnson said the memorandum of understanding should be tested over time rather than dismissed outright.
"Let's see where this goes," he said. "I'm not going to trash this all."
He added that the United States could respond militarily again if Iran moves toward nuclear sites, threatens shipping in the strait, makes unreasonable demands or resumes funding terrorism.
"President Trump has said he's willing to do that," Johnson said.
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