Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman delivered forceful remarks in a recent media appearance, breaking with many in his own party by endorsing a decisive U.S. military response toward Iran’s nuclear program and broader regime threats. Fetterman described the June 2025 U.S. strike on key Iranian nuclear facilities as “absolutely the right thing,” positioning himself as one of the few Democrats to openly back the action amid political divisions in Washington. 

In the clip, Fetterman argued that destroying the Iranian regime would yield stability across the Middle East and benefit key U.S. interests, including support for Israel and enhanced border security. He challenged his political counterparts to find common ground, asserting that standing with Israel and countering Tehran’s destabilizing behavior are “reasonable” objectives that transcend partisan lines. 

Fetterman also touched on domestic politics, stressing his refusal to support a government shutdown under any circumstances, especially one that would delay pay for service members and others engaged in national security operations. He referenced the 45-day shutdown earlier in the year to underline the risks of withholding pay from troops and critical civilian personnel. 

The exchange comes amid an ongoing crisis in Iran, where widespread protests have continued since late 2025, and where reports indicate the Iranian security apparatus has violently suppressed demonstrators, leading some U.S. lawmakers, including Fetterman, to advocate for further targeted action. Fetterman has reiterated his willingness to support additional airstrikes or measures that could hasten the end of the regime’s authoritarian rule. 

His stance highlights a rare moment of bipartisan overlap on Middle East policy, aligning with strong Republican support for President Donald Trump’s 2025 operation that targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and other nuclear facilities — a campaign Trump described as necessary to constrain Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and reduce the risk of proliferation. 

While many in the Democratic Party have expressed concern or opposition to the strikes, Fetterman’s comments signal a subset of lawmakers willing to embrace a more assertive posture toward Iran, grounded in strategic partnership with Israel and a broader vision of regional stability.