Indiana Senator Jim Banks has said the United States has steadily intensified its military campaign against Iran, warning that the pressure will continue unless Tehran agrees to end its nuclear programme and halt support for armed proxy groups across the Middle East.
Speaking during an interview FROM 7:05 on Fox News on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Banks said the U.S. strategy has become increasingly forceful over nearly two weeks of sustained operations, arguing that stronger military action is the only language the Iranian leadership understands.
According to the senator, the strikes have grown in intensity with each passing night, reflecting what he described as President Donald Trump’s determination to increase pressure on Tehran rather than ease it. He said the administration believes continued military escalation will force Iran back to the negotiating table.
Banks maintained that previous diplomatic agreements with Iran had failed because, in his view, the Iranian government repeatedly violated its commitments. As a result, he argued that military pressure, not negotiations alone is necessary to compel Tehran to change its behaviour.
He said the United States is prepared to hold Iran directly responsible not only for its own actions but also for attacks carried out by regional groups that Washington considers Iranian proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas. According to him, the Iranian leadership has influence over these organisations and should therefore bear responsibility for their actions.
Emphasising the administration’s approach, Banks declared, “We have had 12 nights of strikes on Iran, and each night has been tougher than the night before.” He added that the message being sent to Tehran is that there will be even more severe consequences if it refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions and support for proxy forces.
The senator also expressed confidence that increased military pressure would eventually persuade Iran to negotiate under terms acceptable to the United States, insisting that sustained strength remains the administration’s preferred path to achieving peace….See More