Bond on Iran: "They've Shown Us Enough"

Hours after the country tested two short-range missiles, Sen. Kit Bond called for tough economic sanctions against Iran and said the revelation of a secret nuclear site undermines the credibility of its leaders.

"Today's action in firing the missiles is really a poke in the eye to those who think that diplomatic efforts and agreements and inspections are going to change the way that Iran is going," said Sen. Bond in an interview on FOX News Sunday.

"I think, as the "Show-Me State" senator, they've shown us enough, much of it through speeches by Ahmadinejad saying, 'We're going to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.' He has launched the missiles to show that they are taking seriously their threat," Bond said.

Bond, who appeared with California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, said strong economic sanctions could force Iranian leaders to change their policy. He noted Senate legislation that would restrict refined petroleum.

"That's something we can do, along with Treasury sanctions. But we need Russia and China -- real question whether they will actually go along," said Sen. Bond.

Democratic House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton suggested similar sanctions in an interview Friday.

Bond said he agreed with Feinstein when she suggested that negotiations were a much preferable alternative to air strikes.

"That's why I think that strong economic sanctions, which have to be applied by the world community, not just us -- we can make an impact -- are the best way to go," said Bond. "Nobody wants to see us use military power but, as Senator Feinstein said, a nuclear-armed Iran would be a disaster for the world," Bond continued.

During his appearance, Bond also reinforced his support for sending additional troops into Afghanistan and criticized President Obama for "dithering and delaying" the decision.

Missouri's senior Senator also made a quick reference to Springfield as he outlined is opposition to the President's plan to close Guantanamo Bay.

"I wouldn't mind seeing them at Alcatraz, but my California friends have minimum amount of high enthusiasm for that," Bond said. "But if they're sick, they're transferred to the federal Springfield, Missouri medical facility in my state, and my constituents and I think that would be a very bad idea," Bond said.