Here’s how some US lawmakers are reacting to Israel’s strikes on Iran.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “the United States Senate stands ready to work with President Trump and with our allies in Israel to restore peace in the region,” and warned that Iran should “should heavily consider the consequences before considering any action against Americans in the region.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said: “Israel IS right—and has a right—to defend itself!”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said an interview on MSNBC, “We certainly believe that Iran should never be allowed to become nuclear capable. They are an enemy, not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the free world.”
Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins that he does not support Israel’s strikes against Iran, insisting that Iran’s nuclear program would still be under “severe restrictions,” if the Trump administration hadn’t withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018.
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, a Republican who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, voiced support for Israel and warned Iran against attacking the US.
“We stand with Israel tonight and pray for the safety of its people and the success of this unilateral, defensive action,” he said. “I am also praying for the brave U.S. service members in the Middle East who keep America safe—Iran would be foolish to attack the United States.
Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called Israel’s attack on Iran a “reckless escalation.”
“These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East and the safety of American citizens and forces,” Reed said.
Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said she was closely monitoring the “developing conflict.”
“I encourage both sides to seek de-escalation in this dangerous moment for the Middle East and for global stability.”
Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, touted his support for Israel, saying Iran “is rushing to build not only nuclear weapons, but also missiles that can strike the United States.”
“We back Israel to the hilt, all the way,” he said.
Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, blamed President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the escalating crisis with Iran.
“This is a disaster of Trump and Netanyahu’s own making, and now the region risks spiraling toward a new, deadly conflict.”
Washington Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, cautioned against escalating violence in the Middle East in the wake of Israel’s attack on Iran.
“As we work to understand the situation that is developing in the Middle East tonight, I urge both sides to do what they can to prevent further escalation of violence. Too many innocent civilians are at risk of getting caught in the crossfire and leaders of both countries should proceed with caution,” Smith wrote on X.
