America’s attack on Iran

The other day I watched as our Commander in Chief welcomed home six fallen American service members. These military members – one from right here in Nebraska – returned to their homeland in caskets draped in American flags. Standing behind the president were our Nebraska governor and our U.S. senators and representatives. The honor, respect and gratitude America shows for our fallen soldiers are both appropriate and heartwrenching.

One of those fallen soldiers is Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue who was serving in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck his position on March 1. Sgt. Tietjens was a wheeled vehicle mechanic and our state and national flags fly at half-mast in his honor.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite Islamist group, has carried out multiple attacks on American troops over the years, including the 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut (63 killed, including 17 Americans), the Beirut barracks bombing (241 U.S. Marines killed) and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing.

In the early hours of Feb. 28 the United States launched a preemptive military operation against Iran, targeting key nuclear facilities, missile sites and command centers in Tehran and beyond.

This bold move came amidst escalating tensions due to Iran’s persistent nuclear ambitions and support for proxy militias across the Middle East.

First and foremost, Iran’s nuclear program poses an existential threat that demands decisive action. For years, Tehran has defied international agreements by enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels and developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching Europe and beyond. The February strikes followed a 12-day air war waged in June 2025, in which Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel and U.S. interests. Israeli and U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that without intervention, Iran could achieve nuclear breakout within months, arming itself with weapons that could destabilize the entire region.

By striking Iran, America prevents a nuclear-armed Iran from emboldening terrorist groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, who have already expanded attacks to 11 countries, including drone strikes on the U.S. assets. This isn’t warmongering; it’s preemptive action against a regime that chants “Death to America” while funding proxy wars in Yemen, Lebanon and Syria.

Critics argue that military action risks broader escalation, but history shows appeasement begets appeasement. In the 1930s failure to confront Hitler’s aggression early led to World War II. Similarly, Iran’s unchecked belligerence has already resulted in civilian casualties, with ballistic missiles injuring over 1,000 in Israel since late February. The joint U.S.-Israeli campaign has degraded Iran’s capabilities, destroying hundreds of missile launchers and disrupting command structures, including strikes on the Supreme National Security Council and Assembly of Experts. These targeted operations, involving thousands of strikes, focus on military targets to minimize civilian harm while achieving strategic goals like suppressing air defenses and preventing retaliation. Far from reckless, this approach mirrors successful coalitions against enemies like ISIS, where U.S. support enabled allies to neutralize threats without full-scale invasion.

President Trump’s administration has rightly emphasized “America First,” but true security means bolstering allies who fight shared enemies. Videos from the Pentagon show U.S. submarines sinking Iranian warships, demonstrating our commitment without putting boots on the ground. This limited engagement maximizes impact while avoiding quagmires like Afghanistan.

America cannot stand idle as Iran oppresses its people and exports terror. The regime’s crackdowns on protesters, execution of dissidents and sponsorship of groups like Hezbollah demand accountability. By backing these efforts, the U.S. champions human rights and freedom, echoing our interventions in World War II and the Cold War.

Detractors warn of economic fallout, like oil price spikes, but the alternative — a nuclear Iran dominating the Persian Gulf — would be catastrophic, disrupting global trade and empowering extremists. The strikes have decimated Iran’s naval assets and military bases, reducing its ability to threaten shipping lanes.

America’s attack on Iran was a necessary stand against aggression to protect our interests and allies. As the conflict evolves, the U.S. must remain resolute.

History favors the bold! By confronting evil, we secure a safer world for future generations. The path to peace runs through strength, not surrender. Let us commit to this alliance, for in defending Israel, we defend ourselves.

Loren Lippincott represents Legislative District 34 in the Nebraska State Senate. Read his column in the Nance County Journal.