Congress members split over US attack on Iran

Republican and Democratic members of the US Congress delivered swift reactions to US bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities early on Sunday.
The following are statements from key legislators:
Senate armed services committee chair Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, applauded the operation but cautioned that the US now faced 'very serious choices ahead'.
Senate foreign relations committee chair Jim Risch, Republican of Idaho, said, 'This war is Israel's war, not our war, but Israel is one of our strongest allies and is disarming Iran for the good of the world.' Risch added, 'This is not the start of a forever war. There will not be American boots on the ground in Iran.'
'This is not constitutional,' conservative Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said on social media. He was referring to the power of Congress to declare war on foreign countries.
US House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican of Louisiana, said, 'The president gave Iran's leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.
'The president's decisive action prevents the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants 'Death to America,' from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet.'
Senate majority leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said, 'I stand with President Trump.'
Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, a daughter of Palestinian immigrants: 'President Trump sending US troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our constitution. The American people do not want another forever war. We have seen where decades of endless war in the Middle East gets us — all based on the lie of 'weapons of mass destruction.''
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said the US public 'is overwhelmingly opposed to the US waging war on Iran' and said Trump displayed 'horrible judgment'.
Max Rose, a former Democratic member of Congress who now is a senior adviser to the progressive veterans' group 'VoteVets', said, 'Trump's decision to launch direct strikes against Iran without congressional authorisation is illegal.' Rose added, 'This conflict is his and the Republicans who have abrogated all their responsibilities.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

IOL News

an hour ago

• IOL News

uMkhonto weSizwe Party criticises US military strikes on Iran

MK Party calls for global solidarity against US aggression in Iran Image: Atta Kenare / AFP The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has issued a stern condemnation of the United States' recent military assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, describing it as an unjustifiable act of aggression that threatens global peace and sovereignty. In a statement released on Sunday, the MK Party denounced the attack carried out overnight against strategic sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow as a flagrant violation of international law and an escalation of unilateral military actions that undermine efforts toward diplomacy and stability. According to the MK Party, the US strikes, which involved Tomahawk missiles and GBU-57 bunker-busters, lacked authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. 'This reckless act is not defence; it is an outright declaration of war against the Iranian people,' the statement declared. 'It disregards Iran's sovereignty and the principles of peace, self-determination, and non-intervention that underpin international law.' The party highlighted the tragic irony of Western claims of 'deterrence,' pointing out that such military actions often mask imperial ambitions. 'This is not genuine security,' the MK Party stated. 'War disguised as diplomacy is an escalation that risks spiralling into broader regional conflict.' Drawing parallels to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the MK Party recalled how false intelligence-specifically, specifically the alleged weapons of mass destruction, was used to justify a devastating war that claimed millions of lives. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'Once again, we see Western powers manufacturing narratives to justify their imperial interventions,' said the party. 'Today, the target is Iran; tomorrow, it could be any nation that dares to challenge the global order dictated by the West.' The MK Party called on the international community, particularly African nations, BRICS, and the Non-Aligned Movement, to reject this new wave of militarism. 'Diplomacy must be prioritised over violence,' the statement urged. 'Iran has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and we must reopen diplomatic channels to seek peaceful solutions.' The party also urged accountability for the destruction and loss of civilian lives, adding that the ongoing violence threatens regional stability. 'As President Jacob Zuma once warned, 'The path of the powerful is not always the path of the just,'' the MK Party stated. 'We must stand against the arrogance of global powers who bomb nations under the guise of security while sowing insecurity everywhere.' Expressing deep concern, the MK Party affirmed its support for oppressed peoples worldwide, including Palestinians, Venezuelans, Cubans, Congolese communities, and South Africans. 'The recent attack on Iran is part of a broader pattern of foreign aggression,' the statement read. 'We stand in solidarity with those resisting imperial domination and call for a united front rooted in justice and mutual respect.' The MK Party warned of the dangers of escalation, including the potential disruption of vital trade routes and the threat of nuclear proliferation. 'This act could plunge the region- and the entire world- into deeper chaos,' it warned. 'Civilian casualties are inevitable, and prospects for peace are further diminished.' The party also condemned Western media's role in shaping narratives that justify such aggression. 'Weeks ago, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa was falsely accused of 'white genocide,' a narrative pushed by the same interests now celebrating bombing Iran,' the statement pointed out. 'The same outlets demonised our land reform efforts and social progress, and now they vilify Iran-this is part of a pattern of distortion to justify imperial crimes.' The MK Party called for African nations to take a moral stand. 'Africa must rise with clarity of purpose, reject neocolonial aggression, and advocate for a multipolar world grounded in Ubuntu, justice, and mutual respect,' the statement declared. 'This is not just about Iran; it is about every nation's right to sovereignty and dignity.' The party reaffirmed its commitment to non-alignment, international law, and Pan-African diplomacy in pursuit of lasting peace. 'We pray for all innocent civilians caught in this conflict and for an end to the cycle of violence,' the statement concluded. 'The path forward is solidarity, resistance, and unwavering commitment to justice.' IOL Politics

The Citizen

3 hours ago

• The Citizen

US joins Israel-Iran conflict with overnight bombing campaign

The United States bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran with the latter responding with strikes on targets in Israel. Israeli security forces and first responders gather at the site of an Iranian strike that hit a residential neighbourhood in the Ramat Aviv area in Tel Aviv on June 22, 2025. AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP President Donald Trump said the US military carried out strikes Sunday on three Iranian nuclear sites and that Tehran 'must now agree to end this war', following days of speculation over whether the United States would join its ally Israel's bombing campaign. As the Iran-Israel war entered its 10th day, here are the latest developments: US intervention Trump said the US military carried out a 'very successful attack' on three Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo. 'We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran,' Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, referring to Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. 'A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site,' Fordo, he said, adding the planes were safely out of Iranian airspace and on the way home. Iranian media said the Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites were hit. Ahead the US strikes, The New York Times and specialist plane tracking sites said American B-2 stealth bombers had left a base in the United States and flown across the Pacific. The B-2 can carry America's heaviest payloads, including the bunker-busting GBU-57 — the only weapon capable of destroying Iran's deeply buried nuclear facility in Fordo. Trump said that, after the strikes, Iran 'must now agree to end this war', insisting that under no circumstances should Iran possess a nuclear weapon. Israel raised its alert level after the strikes, permitting only essential activities until further notice, the military announced. Iran says US attacks 'outrageous' Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the US attacks and said his country had the right to defend its sovereignty. 'The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' the foreign minister wrote on X, describing the attacks as 'lawless and criminal'. 'In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.' Iran's foreign ministry said in a separate statement Washington 'will stop at no illegality or crime' to support Israel. Iran and Israel exchange missile salvos Iran's armed forces said they targeted multiple sites in Israel including Ben Gurion airport, after US attacks on key nuclear sites. The targets included the airport, a 'biological research centre', logistics bases and various layers of command and control centres, it said, quoted by Fars news agency. IRNA news agency said 40 missiles were fired in the '20th wave' of Iranian strikes. At least 23 people were hurt and police said at least three impacts were reported. 'Houses here were hit very, very badly,' Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai told reporters at the scene. 'Fortunately, one of them was slated for demolition and reconstruction, so there were no residents inside. 'Those who were in the shelter are all safe and well. The damage is very, very extensive, but in terms of human life, we are okay.' The Israeli military said it had launched its own fresh waves of strikes in western Iran and in Qom, south of Tehran, IRNA reported four Revolutionary Guard members were killed in strikes on a military base in the north of the city. UN nuclear watchdog says 'no increase' in radiation The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency said it had not detected any increase in radiation levels at key nuclear sites in Iran following the US strikes. 'Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran… the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time,' the watchdog said on X. The UN body's head, Rafael Grossi, said the IAEA would hold an 'emergency meeting' at the organisation's headquarters in Vienna on Monday in response to the US strikes. © Agence France-Presse

IOL News

4 hours ago

• IOL News

International responses to US air strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure

Donald Trump said that Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. Image: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images The United States carried out attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, joining Israel's bombing campaign after days of speculation over US involvement in the conflict. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," Trump said in a televised address to the nation from the White House after the strikes. Here is a roundup of the key reactions: Iran: 'Everlasting consequences' Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as "outrageous" and said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty. "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he posted on X, adding that the attacks were "lawless and criminal" behavior. "In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people," the foreign minister said. Iran's atomic energy organization also called the US attacks "a barbaric act that violates international law." The agency added that it "will not let the path of development of this national industry... be stopped." Israel: 'Change history' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump, saying the attacks will "help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace." "Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated "America has been truly unsurpassed." He also told Israelis that his promise to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities had been "fulfilled." UK: 'Stability is priority' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to "return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis." "Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat," Starmer said on X, adding that "stability in the region is a priority." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading EU: 'Step back' The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. "I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," Kallas wrote on X, adding Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday. UN: 'Dangerous escalation' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge." "At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos," Guterres said in a statement. "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace." The UN's nuclear agency also reported that it had not detected any increase in "off-site radiation levels" after the attacks on the three nuclear sites in Iran. The agency's chief called for an emergency meeting Monday. Iraq: 'Grave threat' Iraq warned that the US attacks on its neighbour Iran's nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East. "This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability," said government spokesperson Basim Alawadi. Saudi Arabia: 'Exercise restraint' Saudi Arabia expressed "great concern" after the US air strikes on nuclear facilities in its neighbour, the "sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran." "The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation," the Saudi foreign ministry posted on X.