WASHINGTON (7News) — The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday. 7News has reached out to lawmakers from D.C., Maryland, Virginia and other areas to see their perspectives.
Sen. Mark Warner, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement:
Overnight, the president conducted expansive U.S. strikes – not limited to nuclear or missile infrastructure but extending to a broad set of targets, including senior Iranian leadership – marking a deeply consequential decision that risks pulling the United States into another broad conflict in the Middle East.
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“By the president’s own words, ‘American heroes may be lost.’ That alone should have demanded the highest level of scrutiny, deliberation, and accountability, yet the President moved forward without seeking congressional authorization,” said Warner. “The Constitution is clear: the decision to take this nation to war rests with Congress, and launching large-scale military operations – particularly in the absence of an imminent threat to the United States – raises serious legal and constitutional concerns. Congress must be fully briefed, and the administration must come forward with a clear legal justification, a defined end state, and a plan that avoids dragging the United States into yet another costly and unnecessary war.”
Sen. Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released this statement:
Has President Trump learned nothing from decades of U.S. meddling in Iran and forever wars in the Middle East? Is he too mentally incapacitated to realize that we had a diplomatic agreement with Iran that was keeping its nuclear program in check, until he ripped it up during his first term?
“For months, I have raised hell about the fact that the American people want lower prices, not more war—especially wars that aren’t authorized by Congress, as required by the Constitution, and don’t have a clear objective. These strikes are a colossal mistake, and I pray they do not cost our sons and daughters in uniform and at embassies throughout the region their lives,” said Kaine.
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“The Senate should immediately return to session and vote on my War Powers Resolution to block the use of U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran. Every single Senator needs to go on the record about this dangerous, unnecessary, and idiotic action,” said Kaine.
“Trump is lying to the American people as he launches an illegal, regime-change war against Iran. This is endangering American lives and has already resulted in mass civilian casualties. This is not making us safer and only damages the U.S. and our interests. The Senate must immediately vote on the War Powers Resolution to stop it,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) said.
“As with all war, my first and purest instinct is wish Americans soldiers safety and success in their mission,” said Sen. Rad Paul (R-KY).
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) released the following statement:
The Iranian regime has slaughtered thousands of its own people in recent days, men, women, and children, whose only crime was asking for freedom. Tyrants and terrorists everywhere should take note: the world is watching. History is watching. We must not forget what is happening in Iran. We must not turn a blind eye. History does not forgive those who look away from massacre.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) voiced strong support for the operation in a series of posts on X.
Graham called the strikes “necessary and long justified,” writing that he seeks “God’s protection for all under President Trump’s command, as well as our allies in Israel.”
The senator described the operation as a pivotal moment in the region, saying “the biggest change in the Middle East in a thousand years is upon us.”
He also addressed U.S. service members involved in the operation, writing, “If you are injured or fall, I believe with all my heart that your sacrifice makes your country and the world a better and safer place. This moment is why you chose to serve.”
“This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful. Again the demise of the ayatollah’s regime with American blood on its hands is necessary and more than justified.”
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) also voiced approval for the strikes online.
Operation Epic Fury. President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.
French President Emanual Macron said the “outbreak of war” has “grave consequences for international peace and security.”
“At this decisive moment, every measure is being taken to ensure the security of our national territory, our citizens, and our interests in the Middle East. France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners, should they request it. The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,” said Macron.
The Prime Minister for the United Kingdom Keir Starmer released the following statement:
This is a developing story and will be updated as leaders respond.
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