Trump Needs To Present Long-Term Iran Strategy, Kim Says

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) said he is encouraged by President Donald Trump’s statement that the United States is ready to embrace peace in the wake of Iran’s missile strikes on U.S. forces in Iraq. However, Kim also cautioned that “these remain threatening times,” and said the Trump Administration needs to present a long-term strategy on Iran.

“It does not alleviate the threat still posed by proxy groups and Shia militia groups who may seek revenge,” Kim said. “It does not remedy the very serious damage made to American interests and security in the Middle East over the past week. Our counter-ISIS effort has effectively ended, Iran has signaled its intentions for restarting its nuclear program, and we have further alienated key allies in Iraq.”

Kim went on to say that it is time for the United States to begin reversing those losses by working with its allies in the region, and building diplomatic channels that help avert war.

“We need a long-term strategy for dealing with the threat Iran poses that keeps America safe,” Kim said. “I stand ready to work with President Trump to find solutions and a path to a more secure and stable world.”

After saying "Iran appears to be standing down" during a press conference on Wednesday, Trump called on world leaders to break away from the current Iran nuclear deal, formally the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and negotiate one that "makes the world a safer and more peaceful place."

The United States withdrew from the deal negotiated under the Obama Administration shortly after Trump took office, but U.S. allies that were also part of the deal remained a partner to it. Iran said Wednesday it is partially withdrawing from the deal. Read more here: Iran Missile Strikes: Trump Says U.S. Ready To ‘Embrace Peace’

Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and as a Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

Before serving in Congress, Kim served in Afghanistan as Strategic Advisor to Generals David Petraeus and John Allen. Kim went on to serve as Director of Iraq in Obama’s National Security Council where he coordinated the crisis response to countering the rise of ISIS.