Israel and the U-S launched a joint operation against Iran on Saturday. The U-S strikes involved a mix of American aircraft and Tomahawk cruise missiles fired by U-S Navy ships in the region according to a U-S official.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike Saturday as part of a massive joint military operation between the U.S. and Israel, Iranian state media confirmed.
Here’s how elected leaders across the Finger Lakes and region reacted:
“As the Department of War carries out Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regime, I pray for the safety of all U.S. service members and our allies in the region,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “I hope the brave people of Iran can take back their country from the mullahs and build a future of peace and prosperity instead of tyranny and terror.”
“The Ayatollah is dead, and the world is safer without him,” Tenney added. “His decades of terrorism, tyranny, and regional destabilization caused suffering for millions and threatened the United States and our allies. This is a significant day for the U.S. and our regional partners. May the regime he built collapse with him, and may the Iranian people finally have the chance to reclaim their country and pursue freedom and peace. Thank you to our courageous service members and to President Trump for carrying out this operation with strength and precision, and for standing with the people of Iran.”
“The Iranian regime is the world’s number one sponsor of terror and has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands,” wrote Congressman Nick Langworthy. “Their ‘Death to America’ chants and desire to annihilate Israel are not slogans, they have been actively building the nuclear weapons and missile capabilities to make it a reality, and over the last four decades have taken every opportunity to kill.
“President Trump has given them numerous chances to deescalate and has successfully built allied relationships with the rest of the Middle East region, who are supportive of the Epic Fury operation. The Gang of 8 was also briefed and has conveyed the grave importance of stopping Iran’s military capabilities. This mission is about protecting our homeland and finishing the job of blocking this murderous regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon. It’s very telling that while our strikes are isolated to military targets, Iran has begun indiscriminate bombings of civilian locations.
“May God watch over our incredible U.S. Servicemembers who are tasked with this mission and those deployed across the region. This is a moment for us to stand united for lasting peace for America, the Iranian people, and all countries across the Middle East.
“It is also a time that we must be extra vigilant on our own soil and Democrats must stop blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security so it can immediately reopen and be fully operational. Time is of the essence.”
U.S. Senator Kirstin Gillibrand released this statement:
“I came to Congress in opposition to endless wars. Trump’s actions today risk exactly that again. Congress should return to session immediately to vote on a war powers resolution. The president lacks the constitutional authority – and in my opinion, the temperament and judgment – to act in such a reckless fashion. I pray for the safety and well-being of our brave service members and American families in the region. America voted for lower costs, not forever wars.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released this statement following President Trump’s strikes on Iran:
“When I talked to Secretary Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next. Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon, but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home.
The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat. Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy.
The administration must brief Congress, including an immediate all-senators classified briefing and public testimony, to answer these vital questions. The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act.
My prayers are with our brave American servicemembers.”
