Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding Iran, following the confirmation of the death of its president and foreign minister in a helicopter crash. McConnell highlighted that condolences from sympathetic regimes were swift, with the People's Republic of China declaring that the Chinese people had 'lost a good friend,' Russia mourning 'a reliable partner,' and Hungary's Prime Minister offering his 'thoughts and prayers.'

McConnell extended his condolences to the Iranian people for their suffering under what he termed as the brutal, theocratic rule of the Islamic Republic. He suggested that many Iranians would prefer Western leaders not to legitimize a regime known for executing political prisoners, which actively represses them.

He further commented on speculation about key players in the chain of succession and the relative strength of reform and hard-line elements. McConnell argued that focusing on such speculation misses something more fundamental about Tehran's regime – something he warned about when President Raisi was installed through an election three years ago.

"We should remember the President of Iran is a figurehead. The real power rests with the aptly-named Supreme Leader and the state institutions he controls," said McConnell. He noted that supposed reformers, moderates, along with hard-liners have come and gone from Iran’s presidency without fundamentally changing how Tehran operates at home or abroad.

McConnell pointed out that Tehran has moved steadily toward more terrorist violence abroad, and more repression at home, regardless of who Iran’s president has been. The regime in Tehran has continued to engage in rampant proliferation of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs while making steady progress toward a nuclear weapons capability.

The Republican leader concluded by extending his condolences to Iran’s neighbors who live under constant threat from a regime that practices what it preaches: Death to Israel, death to America, war on international commerce, and chaos across the Middle East. "The untimely death of the president of Iran does not change the underlying threats this regime poses to its own citizens, to its region, and to the free world. These threats continue to demand our collective attention," McConnell concluded.