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Iowa elected officials and candidates respond to U.S.-Israel attack on Iran
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, and President Donald Trump urged the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.
Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region, and exchanges of fire continued into the night.
Many elected officials and candidates for office in Iowa released statements Saturday in response to the attack.
Zach Wahls, Democrat running for U.S. Senate
"Congress must immediately invoke the War Powers Act to prevent our country from being dragged into another war of foreign regime change.
"My generation grew up witnessing and experiencing the horrors of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and we are all still living with the consequences here at home: lives lost, families shattered, and trillions of our tax dollars squandered.
"We cannot repeat those mistakes in Iran, and I firmly stand with the overwhelming majority of Iowans and Americans in opposing the unilateral launch of a reckless war without congressional authorization and without a clear exit strategy.
"Chloe and I are praying for the safety and security of every American service member."
Josh Turek, Democrat running for U.S. Senate
“The American people deserve transparency from their government, and the power to declare war rests with Congress. While there is no question the Iranian regime is brutal and repressive, bombing Iran is not the same thing as bringing lasting change to the country. And an attack that could drag the U.S. into a long, costly conflict should not happen without Congressional approval.
“Americans were promised an end to ‘forever wars’ and costly foreign entanglements. This is another example of a betrayal of that promise. Once again, Washington is failing working people by being quicker to send working class kids into combat than do anything to lower costs and make our lives easier.”
Thomas Laehn, Libertarian running for U.S. Senate
“Yet another undeclared war initiated by a Republican president in the Middle East with the goal of regime change. ... This war was not declared by Congress. This war is unconstitutional. Until we elect a third party to Congress — the party that is committed to the Constitution and the rule of law — we will continue to engage in these expeditions abroad that never end. ... Our nation is risking its lives, its treasure, its soldiers for the sake of yet another undeclared war. All Iowans, all Americans should recognize these types of wars abroad — these imperialistic adventures — are due to Congress's failure, Congress's abdication of its constitutional responsibilities. It is time to elect Libertarians to once again chain the dogs of war, and only take our country to war when it's truly in our nation's interest." -- Statement from video posted to X.
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Republican running for U.S. Senate
“President Trump is taking decisive action with Operation Epic Fury to protect American interests from the tyrannical Iranian regime — a regime that chants “Death to America” and has backed terror across the region. This operation makes clear that the United States will not sit back while Iran threatens our troops, our allies including Israel, or our homeland — and under this president, Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon. My prayers are with the brave service members carrying out this mission and the families supporting them at home. God Bless the USA." -- Statement from a post to X.
Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst
"President Trump took decisive action to keep Americans safe." -- Statement from post to X
Ernst, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee and is a former Iowa National Guard officer and combat veteran, also posted to X: "Through Operation Epic Fury, President Trump is working to take out the threat of Iran to create a more peaceful world."
And, she posted to X: "Join me in praying for the members of the Iowa National Guard and American servicemembers in the region. These folks represent the best of our nation, and I am incredibly thankful for their brave and selfless dedication to defending our freedoms and keeping our citizens safe. God bless every single one of them."
Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley
"I’m following closely what’s happening in Iran & the region Barbara + I are praying for the safety of our troops Regime change badly needed +Must stop nuclear enrichment CANT HV UNPRDICTABLE LEADERSHIP IN IRAN W NUCLEAR BOMB Pres Trump gave IRAN PLENTY OF NEGOTIABLE OPPORTUNITY." -- Statement from post to X
Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
“For decades, Iran’s regime has sponsored terrorism, destabilized the Middle East through proxy groups like Hamas, and openly threatened to obliterate the United States and kill President Trump. With the reported death of the Ayatollah, that reign of terror has come to an end and the oppression of the Iranian people minimized. The world cannot allow a nuclear armed Iran or ignore the damage his leadership caused, but neither can we rush blindly into another endless conflict. My immediate focus is the safety of our servicemembers and Americans in the region. I fully support our troops and look forward to a full briefing on what comes next. My priority remains protecting American lives and serving the people of Iowa’s First District." -- Statement from post to X
Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn
"Operation EPIC FURY is a direct consequence of Iran — the #1 sponsor of terrorism — killing Americans, attacking allies, and seeking nuclear weapons. At every turn, Iran’s regime slapped away peace talks, launched weapons against the US and our allies, and slaughtered thousands of Iranians who bravely stood up against the regime. As President Trump had said: the future of Iran rests in the hands of the Iranian people. I do not support boots on the ground — and as a combat veteran, I do not take military action lightly. We pray for our servicemembers and allies in the region. May God bless them and may He keep them safe." -- Statement from post to X
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, Republican candidate for governor
"Operation Epic Fury comes after the Trump Administration spent weeks calling for a diplomatic end to Iran’s dangerous nuclear ambitions and Iran murdered thousands of its own people who dared to protest for freedom. The leaders of Iran fund foreign terrorists in the Middle East, chant “Death to America,” and threaten American lives. I agree with President Trump that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and this operation works to prevent that from happening. I pray for the safety of our servicemembers, Iowa National Guard troops in the region, and the success of the operation." -- Statement from post to X
Clint Twedt-Ball, Democrat running in 2nd Congressional District
"This is a significant and dangerous escalation that puts many Americans at risk. As a pastor, I’ve walked alongside families facing the very real impacts of war. Families here in Iowa know what it means when our country enters conflict — our friends and neighbors put on the uniform and risk their lives, while their families sacrifice here at home. Our prayers are with them, as well as civilians in Iran who have suffered so much at the hands of the repressive Iranian regime, and others across the Middle East who are facing fear and uncertainty.
“The Constitution is clear: Congress has the responsibility to debate and authorize war. Congress must be fully briefed without delay, and the administration must provide the American people with a clear explanation of the mission, its objectives, the risks involved, and the expected scope of U.S. involvement. We need to pursue a path that protects our security and prevents a wider war.”
Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds
“The United States has confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed—ending his reign of terror that threatened the lives of Americans and our allies.
Once again, President Trump has taken decisive action to defend the United States and eliminate evil.
God bless America and may God bless and protect our troops.” -- Statement from X
Travis Terrell, Democrat running in 1st Congressional District
“If these reports (on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being killed) are confirmed, this is the kind of moment that can ignite a region-wide fire. History shows us how quickly shock turns into escalation, and escalation turns into war.
“We have seen this before , in Vietnam and in Iraq, where political chest-pounding and reckless posturing sent American teenagers to their deaths.
“If escalation follows, the rich and powerful will dine peacefully at their tables while our families cry at theirs, as our loved ones return home in flag-draped coffins.
“It is never the political class that pays the price. It is working-class communities. It is the sons and daughters of mechanics, nurses, factory workers, and farmers.
“Congress must not issue another blank check for military escalation. Any use of force must come through constitutional authorization, full transparency, and a clearly defined objective centered on preventing further loss of life.
“American families should not be asked to bleed for profit, ego, or political ambition. The path forward must be restraint, oversight, and congressional intervention, not another rush toward endless conflict.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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