PROVIDENCE, RI -- Tonight, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s decision to order U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities:

“Tonight, President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, directly involving U.S. forces in this conflict.  This was a massive gamble by President Trump, and nobody knows yet whether it will pay off.  President Trump declared: “Iran’s nuclear facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”  But there is a lot we still don’t know and we need an accurate, factual damage assessment.

“What we do know is that the United States of America has the strongest military in the world powered by brave men and women who expertly supported and executed this mission.  We are grateful for their service and we must be prepared for retaliation -- both in the short and long-term, on the battlefield and asymmetrically.   

“Congress needs to be briefed in a classified setting.  And I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the American people get the facts and answers they deserve.  

“It’s easier to start wars than end them.  Even though the U.S. maintains military dominance, we are in a dangerous stage that could lead to significant instability in the region and beyond.  We must be prepared for contingencies going forward. 

“I strongly urge the Trump Administration to immediately pursue restraint, diplomacy, and international engagement to prevent further bloodshed.”