Alabama leaders react to U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama leaders released statements after President Donald Trump announced Saturday evening the U.S. attacked three Iranian nuclear sites.

The strikes happened after Israel started targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites June 13 over concerns about Iran’s capacity to build an atomic weapon. Iran has retaliated against Israel, further rising tensions in the Middle East. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, supported Trump’s decision to strike Iran.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said Sunday the “Operation Midnight Hammer” mission involved decoys and deception that was not met with Iranian resistance. Caine, who is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the goal of destroying nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan was achieved.

Hegseth said the U.S. is not seeking war with Iran. He noted the mission was not about a regime change in the country. Though Iran continued to launch missiles against Israel after the U.S. attack, it is unclear how Iran might react to the U.S. in the coming days.

Alabama leaders made comments following Trump’s announcement:

The President made the correct decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran made the choice to continue its pursuit of a nuclear weapon and would only be stopped by force. It would be a grave mistake to attempt any retaliation against our forces or homeland

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services

God bless our Troops.

God bless President Trump.

And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville

I stand by President Trump. Strong and surgical. Please pray for peace.

U.S. Sen Katie Britt

Britt released another statement Sunday morning:

“Last night, President Trump addressed the nation and reiterated his commitment to peace through strength, and the world is now a safer place because of his leadership.

“I’m proud to stand with the President and grateful we have him as a leader during this defining moment in our history.”

I fully support President Trump’s decision to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.

This decision was forced upon us by the refusal of the Iranian leadership to accept the reality that the U.S. would never allow them to have a nuclear weapon. With this action, American resolve to eliminate any and all threats against our country and our allies was put on full display.

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06)

The Constitution is clear. Only Congress has the power to declare war. President Trump’s unilateral military action in Iran, without congressional approval, is unconstitutional. It puts U.S. forces and our diplomatic personnel in peril, and brings us dangerously close to all out war in the Middle East. The Trump Administration must immediately brief Congress and take steps to prevent further escalation of this conflict.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07)

I fully support President Trump’s decision to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities. As I have said, I believe that if Iran gets a functioning nuclear weapon they would not hesitate to use it against Israel or the United States. When they say death to Israel and death to America, we have no reason not to believe them. I pray this action has made the world safer. President Trump has pledged to get us out of ‘forever wars.’ This could be a step toward ending the war we have been in with Iran since 1979. They have killed hundreds and hundreds of Americans in the past half century.

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Aderholt released another comment late Saturday night:

“There are crisis points in history when leaders must decide whether to take the Winston Churchill path or the Neville Chamberlain path. Tonight, President Trump has chosen the Churchill path, recognizing—just as Churchill did—that you cannot negotiate with a regime that continually calls for the destruction of Israel and America, just as it was impossible to negotiate with Nazi Germany.”

A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to the entire world. They had ample time to come to the table and make a deal, but forced President Trump to take action to ensure the safety of our country and our allies.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (AL-05)

I stand with President Trump.

God bless him and our brave service members.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02)

God bless our country, and God bless our troops! Proud to live in the greatest nation on Earth.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey

Ivey posted another comment Sunday morning:

“Peace through strength works. Operation Midnight Hammer WORKED. Thank you, @POTUS!”

I trust President Donald Trump and believe he is taking the steps necessary to protect our country, promote its interests, and put America first. Iran has been a bad actor for 46 years, and bad actions reap bad consequences. Support our President, and ask God to bless America.

Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat Tuberville holds, posted a picture of the U.S. flag in response to an X post from the White House on the attacks.