Newou can listen to Fox News articles!
Exclusive: A senior U.S. House lawmaker said the current conflict between Israel and Iran could be a singular opportunity for Iranians to overthrow an authoritarian Islamic government.
“Now that their top leadership has been taken away, so if people have time to stand up to this theocracy, I think the conditions are set,” R-Texas Rep. Michael McCall told Fox News Digital on Friday.
McCole was part of a group of Middle Eastern lawmakers at the end of last month. Part of the trip was in Israel, where the parliamentary delegation met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others.
“I think this is a perfect opportunity. It would have been better if you didn’t know what level of adjustments had happened, but when something like this happens, it means that this priesthood regime will release power, power, and Iranian people,” McCourt said. “The majority don’t like Ayatollahs. There’s a real opportunity for them to just end.”
Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” destroys Biden’s student loan scheme,” says the Republican top
Rep. Michael McCole, honorary chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke with Fox News Digital about Israel’s strike against Iran. (Getty Images)
Israel unleashed a barrage of airstrikes in and around Tehran since the eastern era on Thursday night. The Israeli government said the strike was preemptive and Tehran is approaching nuclear weapons capabilities.
“They were very close to nuclear bombs,” McColl said.
Israel said it was attacked by Iran’s nuclear presence, and the strike killed several Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded Friday afternoon by launching missiles towards Israeli territory.
Makor said it was a “big set-off” for Iran, but he was sure Tehran officials would respond.
“When we were in the area, they were convinced that Iran would attack our military facilities in the Saudi Arabians, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
“The big story back then is that it’s locally prepared at Centcom’s time and introduces all its strategic assets to respond. And my understanding is… all of our bases, our military and embassies are giving high warnings.”
The Texas Republican also recalled how he believes he is speaking of signs that a certain military operation is imminent.
McCole has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent weeks. (Israel government news office via AP)
While in Israel last month, Macole said he asked Netanyahu about reports that Iran was preparing for a nuclear strike.
“And he said, ‘If you don’t fight, you’ll die,’ he said, he’ll hit Iran multiple times,” McCor said. “He said, “I will attack Iran with or without you.”
“Well, we need to coordinate with you. Whether the President decides to do this with you or not, you need to coordinate with the United States, our allies and partners in this region.”
Certainly, President Donald Trump told Fox News Channel’s chief political anchor Brett Beyer on Thursday that he had prior knowledge of Israel’s first strike against Iran.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb so we hope to return to the negotiation table. We will see.
Republicans challenge the “unrelated” Budget Office when criticizing Trump’s “beautiful bill”
Firefighters and people clean up the scene of an explosion in Tehran, Iran following Israeli air strikes on Friday, June 13, 2025 (AP/Vahid Salemi)
Trump said the strike took place on the 61st day after Iran had a 60-day window to do business with the US to contain nuclear enrichment. He also said he hoped Iran would return to the negotiation table after the attack.
Click here to get the Fox News app
However, Macoll was not optimistic, Tehran would agree to adequate standards.
“I just have little faith in negotiations if I’m honest with you,” he said.
It is not clear at this time whether these talks will resume.
But if they collapsed again, Makol said the Iranians would encourage “completely” to promote a new government.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masuud Pezeshkian has promised a “legal and powerful response” to Israeli strike.
Elizabeth Elkind is the main reporter of Fox News Digital’s reporting in the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen on Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow me on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to Elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
Source link
