Republicans and Democrats in Congress shared their views about Israel’s strikes on Iran and how they think the U.S. should respond to a situation that threatens to engulf the Middle East in a major war.
Israel said it had begun Operation Rising Lion to preemptively stop a planned Iranian attack and to halt Tehran’s ambitions to develop a nuclear bomb, and that its attacks could go on for days. Iran says its nuclear program is for civil energy.
Iran has lost a significant number of its senior military leadership in the strikes, and its nuclear facilities have been damaged. Its air defenses and surface-to-air missile systems have taken a substantial hit.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was warned in advance of the strikes, and urged Iran to make a nuclear deal with him or it would face more—and worse—attacks by Israel. The U.S. said it was not involved in the strikes.
American lawmakers have responded to the strikes. Here’s what many of them had to say, according to their public statements.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican: “The Iranian government has been directly and indirectly attacking Israel and the US for decades. It’s an open secret that Iran is producing nuclear weapons-grade uranium, and it’s not hard to guess that those nuclear weapons would be pointed at Israel. Iran invited this attack.”
Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada: “Iran must never be allowed to obtain or develop a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran is a threat to Israel, the United States, and the entire world, and the recently-released International Atomic Energy Agency report made clear this was closer than ever.
“The Iranian regime and its proxies have been very public about their commitment to the destruction of Israel and Jewish communities around the world. We should take them at their world.
“Israel acted in self-defense against an attack from Iran, and the U.S. must continue to stand with Israel, as it has for decades, at this dangerous moment.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican: “Israel doesn’t need U.S. taxpayers’ money for defense if it already has enough to start offensive wars. I vote not to fund this war of aggression.”
Senator Pete Welch, a Vermont Democrat: “Israel’s attack risks a regional war and thwarts the Trump nuclear negotiations that were underway with Iran. Another war in the Middle East involving the United States would be catastrophic for our country.”
Senator John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican and Senate Majority Whip: “Israel rightly took unilateral action to defend itself against Iran—an increasingly aggressive enemy. Iran must dismantle its nuclear program. The U.S. will continue to work closely with our allies to address threats in the region and to protect the American people.”
Rep. Darren Soto, a Florida Democrat: “Israel has a right to defend itself against Iran’s rogue nuclear weapons program. Iran’s continued threats are also a danger to US personnel and other countries in the region.
“The Administration must take steps to keep US civilians, diplomats and military there safe from the growing conflict, and support Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and Senate Budget Committee Chairman: “In a contest for their very survival, hats off to Israel for one of the most impressive military strikes and covert operations in Israeli history—which is saying something.
“I very much appreciate President Trump’s strong statement in support of this Israeli operation and his urging for the Iranian Regime to make a deal to abandon their nuclear enrichment program to avoid further bloodshed.
“I hope and pray the ayatollah and his henchmen who are still alive will heed President Trump’s counsel. If not, America—the greatest power for good on Earth—should be all-in to help Israel finish the job. Well done to one of America’s greatest allies, Israel.”
Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, to CNN: “I was very surprised that Israel launched this strike three days before the U.S. was to have a diplomatic discussion with Iran about their nuclear program. That discussion might have gone well, might have gone bad, but to launch a military attack before a diplomatic discussion, I was surprised and disappointed in that.
“But I’m not a Knesset member. I’m not a member of the Israeli government or the Iranian government. I’m a U.S. senator, and I’m going to do everything I can to keep the United States from getting involved in another war in the Middle East. That’s my sole focus right now […]
“The president and the team, by every indication I have, the administration’s team, was really begging the prime minister not to do this until the diplomatic discussions were done. Again, diplomacy may not work. Discussions may not lead to a productive outcome. But why torch diplomacy before it’s been allowed to succeed?”
Senator Dan Sullivan, an Alaska Republican: “The U.S. stands unequivocally with Israel. We must help Israel, and the hundreds of thousands of Americans there right now, defend themselves when Iran retaliates.
“The Iranian regime is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and has the blood of thousands of American service members on its hands. Our strong ally, Israel, is defending its very existence by stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“Iran has had more than a decade to give up its nuclear weapons ambitions. The Trump administration has gone the extra distance by pursuing a diplomatic solution. Iran’s response: cheating and hiding its nuclear weapons program; sprinting toward a bomb; and trying to assassinate senior American officials, including President Trump.
“The bold actions that Israel is taking today are not only necessary for the peace and security of the Middle East, but for the United States and the rest of the world.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat: “The Israeli government bombing Iran is a dangerous escalation that could lead to regional war. War Criminal Netanyahu will do anything to maintain his grip on power. We cannot let him drag our country into a war with Iran. Our government must stop funding and supporting this rogue genocidal regime. […] The president cannot circumvent congressional war powers and unilaterally send U.S. troops to war with Iran. This is a violation of Article I of the Constitution which requires congressional approval to declare war. The American people do not want another endless war in the Middle East that will cost lives and tear their families apart.”
Rep. Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat: “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and eliminating a growing nuclear program makes both the region and the world safer. I am praying for Israel and for peace.”
Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican: “The American people overwhelming oppose our endless wars, and they voted that way when they voted for Donald Trump in 2024. I urge President Trump to stay the course, keep putting America first, and to not join in any war between other countries. Every American should hope and pray for peace.”
Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat: “Iran is a malicious actor and a state sponsor of terrorism that must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon…The most immediate risk at the present is that of retaliation, miscalculation, and escalation, which could spiral into a regional conflict or all out war.
“After the terrible trauma of the Hamas attacks of October 7th and the war in Gaza that has followed, the last thing the world needs is a wider war. My heart goes out to the people of Israel, now facing dangers from every direction. I support Israel’s right to defend itself against any imminent threat, including that emanating from Iran.
“It is vital that the Administration now focus on helping Israel defend itself, protect Americans who seek safety, and prevent a broader conflict so that diplomacy can resume. It is impossible to bring about an end to conflict through endless conflict.”
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