U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites sparks strong reactions across political spectrum

After President Donald Trump announced a U.S. military strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities, political leaders across the country responded with a range of reactions, from support to sharp condemnation.

On Saturday, Trump revealed on Truth Social that the United States had carried out a bombing operation targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites. He described the mission as a success.

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” Trump wrote.

“All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home,” he added. “Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”

Vice President J.D. Vance reposted the president’s message on X but did not issue a separate comment.

Several lawmakers, however, voiced concern over both the legality and the potential consequences of the strike. Senator Bernie Sanders, speaking at a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, read the president’s statement aloud before a crowd began chanting, “No more war!”

“I agree, and I want to tell you something,” Sanders said. “Not only is this news that I’ve just heard this second alarming, but it is so grossly unconstitutional. All of you know that the only entity that can take this country to war is the U.S. Congress. The president does not have the right.”

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez echoed similar constitutional concerns in a post on X, writing, “The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”

In the hours leading up to the announcement, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene posted a message opposing involvement in foreign conflicts, saying: “Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war. There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first. Israel is a nuclear armed nation. This is not our fight. Peace is the answer. 🙏”

After the attack was confirmed, Greene posted a follow-up message urging prayer for American troops and citizens: “Let us join together and pray for the safety of our U.S. troops and Americans in the Middle East. 🙏 Let us pray that we are not attacked by terrorists on our homeland after our border was open for the past 4 years and over 2 Million gotaways came in.🙏 Let us pray for peace. 🙏”

California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the strike from a security standpoint: “Following the President’s action in Iran, California’s State Threat Assessment Center is actively monitoring for any potential impacts in California. While there are no specific or credible counter threats we are aware of at this time, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also weighed in, focusing on local public safety measures. In a statement posted to X, she said: “Following the bombings in Iran, Los Angeles is closely monitoring for any threats to public safety. There are no known credible threats at this time and out of an abundance of caution, LAPD is stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites. We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities.”

“Tonight, the President ignored the Constitution by unilaterally engaging our military without Congressional authorization,” added Nancy Pelosi on X. “I join my colleagues in demanding answers from the Administration on this operation which endangers American lives and risks further escalation and dangerous destabilization of the region.”

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Department of Defense regarding the details of the operation. The international response and potential retaliatory actions remain uncertain.