American lawmakers responded to the US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran with a wide range of reactions spanning from enthusiastic support to immediate criticism, underscoring the profound divisions in the nation that transcend party lines. These divisions are now more evident as the United States engages in yet another military intervention abroad.
On Saturday night, former President Donald Trump declared via social media that the US had targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran, effectively aligning with Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. The announcement surprised many, as just days prior, Trump had indicated that he would deliberate for two weeks before deciding whether to join Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
The US bombing followed weeks of missile, drone, and airstrikes by Israel targeting Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear facilities. Until now, it was believed that only the US possessed the military strength necessary to penetrate Iran’s well-protected underground nuclear operations.
This move by the US invoked sharp criticism from progressive Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and hardline Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who announced plans to introduce a bill requiring congressional approval for any US involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran. Khanna emphasized that Congress must vote on such action to prevent the US from being pulled into another protracted war in the Middle East.
Studies and analysis by political researchers show that such bipartisan opposition to military action is a rare occurrence in the typically polarized US political environment.
Political reactions extended beyond Washington, with Senator Bernie Sanders expressing strong disapproval during a rally in Oklahoma. Sanders called the bombing “alarmingly unconstitutional” and a dangerous escalation of conflicts.
Meanwhile, other Democratic lawmakers, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Don Beyer, derided the decision as unconstitutional and a violation of congressional war powers. Conversely, some right-wing politicians and proponents of a robust military stance endorsed the strike, viewing it as an appropriate action against what they perceive as Iran’s threat to global security.
Veteran Republican Senator John Thune supported the bombing, hailing it as a necessary step to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. The varied reactions highlight the complicated stances on foreign policy within American politics and the challenges of navigating international relations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/21/us-lawmakers-respond-us-attack-on-iran
