We need a credible military option to counter Iran

Recently, I introduced HR 4485, the Credible Military Option to Counter Iran Act, which would build upon current economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts designed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This legislation would enhance the military capabilities of the United States and its regional allies to give credible backing to the diplomatic efforts that are currently underway.

{mosads}During his State of the Union speech this year, President Obama declared that the United States is determined to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and that all options remain on the table to achieve that goal. My bill codifies that statement and makes it explicit United States policy to take all necessary measures, including military action if required, to prevent Iran from threatening the United States, our allies, or its neighbors with a nuclear weapon.

The bill adds to previous work done in Congress by requiring the United States military to develop a comprehensive plan to counter the growing instability of the Iranian regime, including (1) increasing military preparedness and capabilities in the region; (2) enhancing the military capabilities of our Persian Gulf allies to deter Iranian aggression; and (3) strengthening regional partnerships to maximize the geographic routes to Iran.

Finally, this legislation acknowledges the immediate threat to Israel from a nuclear Iran and would enhance the defense of Israel. The ties that bind the United States and Israel are cemented by our mutual dedication to freedom, opportunity and democracy. We must continue our commitment to the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship and ensure that threats to Israeli and American security are answered from a position of strength.

Last week, the House Armed Services Committee moved its annual defense bill out of committee including several provisions from my bill. I look forward to having a debate on these provisions and working with Chairman McKeon to ensure this important language makes it to the president’s desk as quickly as possible.

For nearly thirty years, Americans have watched the delaying tactics and charades put on by this regime and I am concerned that these recent talks will lead into yet another labyrinth of deception. Already, members of the Iranian military have talked openly of blocking the Straits of Hormuz and taking other military actions to undermine sanctions and destabilize the global oil markets. The Iranians must know that the United States is and will always be prepared to defend its interests both at home and abroad and we will not allow them to bully their around the already unstable region.

In Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike are encouraged by the current Administration’s declaration that a “nuclear weapons-capable Iran is unacceptable.”  Now is the time for Congress to ensure the appropriate tools are readily available to the president so that he can ensure the preservation of our interests, achieve negotiating space, and support the opportunity for a peaceful resolution.

When I traveled with Majority Leader Cantor to the Middle East earlier this year, our allies – Israel and Arab nations alike – reiterated their firm and unwavering opposition to an Iranian nuclear bomb.  Leaders from around the region painted an unsettling scenario of a Middle East held hostage to dictates from Iran. They also shared their belief that if Iran should acquire these weapons, other nations in the region would be forced to follow suit, touching off a regional arms race that will significantly degrade the strategic positions of America and our allies.

Although I have measured hope that the current sanctions and diplomatic efforts will be successful, it is clear that that our soft power must be backed by a corresponding military commitment. We need a credible and visible option of last resort at the negotiating table to ensure everyone recognizes the stakes of these negotiations. The Government of Iran must be held accountable for their actions and they must know the overwhelming force of the United States military is on the table.

Rep. Conaway (R-Tex.) serves Texas’ 11th Congressional District.  He is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence.